Doing INDIA proud at APLF Fairs: AQSA International, Vaniyambadi & Fashion Folio, New Delhi winning ‘Best of APLF Awards’ on 25th March 2013
 
APLF Unveiled New Sectors and Features at MM&T 2013 and Fashion Access
Materials, Manufacturing & Technology (MM&T), a premier event of the global leather and leather goods industries, ushered in a new chapter in its 29-year fair history when doors opened on March 25 at the Hong Kong Convention & Exhibition Centre. Fair organiser, APLF Limited, had taken on fresh initiatives towards improving the onsite visitor experience by way of added events, seminars, onsite services and navigational tools reflective of industry trends and customer needs.
At MM&T, the most important development was the full activation of APLF’s product sectorisation programme where over 1,200 exhibitors were assigned to specific areas, making it easier for buyers to source a variety of products. Hall 1 was an exclusively leather sector while Hall 3BC hosted exhibitors of synthetics, natural materials, components and accessories.
A new sector called Sourcing Luxury debuted in Hall 3 bringing together leading producers of exotic skins; rare and high-quality vegetable tanned leathers; and components and accessories made of luxury, unusual materials. This was in response to the continuing increase in the global demand for luxury products.
MM&T 2013 was also about learning new techniques and trends with the instalment of The Leather Forum, “Designing With Leather” seminar on March 26. Co-sponsored byLeatherNaturally! - an advisory group consisting of tanners, leather industry suppliers and other leather enthusiasts - the forum aims to educate and inspire designers and fashion industry practitioners on the beautiful qualities of leather as well as more modern techniques and trends for its use. Adjacent to the forum in Hall 1A was the Leather Club - an experiential new feature to the exhibition. The Leather Club is the venue for learning and socialising with a 3-meter leather wall that prompted participants to write and “pin” their thoughts on “Why they love leather” as well as view educational videos and product presentations.
The Materials Trend Space showcased the Trends in Leathers for the Spring Summer 2014 season.
Also held alongside MM&T was the international conference on Leather and the Environment: Sustainability in the Leather Supply Chain which was organised by APLF in conjunction with the BLC Leather Technology Centre Ltd.
MM&T 2013 was about recognising industry stalwarts and achievements with the highly anticipated announcement of the final results of the Tannery of the Year Awards, a World Trades Publishing / World Leather initiative.
Fashion Access illuminated Hall 3 will Fashion Trends for Autumn Winter 13/14 season for Handbags and Shoes.
Fashion Shows were organized as well.
Turkey had set-up a country pavilion which uniquely presented the design capabilities of its manufacturers.
Finally, the visitors to this year’s exhibitions enjoyed APLF’s first comprehensive mobile app. The app, available on the fair websites, Google Play, and iTunes, provided complete floor plans, exhibitor lists, full event schedules, useful show information and regular feeds of relevant news and information.
India shines in HONG KONG
The large contingent of Indian Exhibitors at MM&T led by ITPO and at Fashion Access led by CLE have had a very gratifying experience.
For further updates, please visit www.aplf.com or write to: sddc@clri.res.in
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