Retail in Asia

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“Shoes from Italy” footwear exhibition opens in HK

The 12 edition of the Shoes from Italy, an exclusive footwear exhibition organised by the Italian Footwear Manufacturers’ Association (A.N.C.I.), opened yesterday and continues through today at Shangri-La Hotel in Hong Kong’s Kowloon. There are 51 premium Italian footwear and leather articles suppliers presenting their latest Autumn Winter shoes and leather accessories collection fresh from Italy.

The twice-a-year Shoes from Italy exhibition is generally recognised as the premiere footwear and leather articles event in Asia. After exhibiting in Beijing, the group sets Hong Kong as the last stop in China. "After visiting this exclusive exhibition, I believe buyers gain a greater insight on the up-and-coming fashion trends. The Hong Kong market is an important gateway to the mainland Chinese market due to its geographic proximity and free-trade status," said Paola Guida, the Italian Trade Commissioner.

In the year of 2011, Italy has exported USD522 million worth of footwear and USD1.12 billion worth of leather articles to Hong Kong, recorded a dramatic 59 percent and 49 percent increase respectively and occupied 10.2 percent and 19.3 percent of the total market share in footwear and leather articles.

The event also hosted Italian Footwear Fashion Trend Seminar yesterday focusing on the most significant trends that will set the tone for next season’s footwear fashion examined by the A.N.C.I.