PolyU hosts 9th International Symposium of Intimate Apparel and Workshops
Organised by the Institute of Textiles and Clothing (ITC) of The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU), the Ninth International Symposium of Intimate Apparel was held at PolyU on 10 March to promote the exchange of the latest knowledge and development of intimate apparel among academics and industrialists. The event was supported by the world’s leading lingerie and beachwear trade show organiser Eurovet, the Hong Kong Intimate Apparel Industries’ Association Ltd. (HKIAIA), Intimate Apparel Journal, The Hong Kong Research Institute of Textiles and Apparel (HKRITA), Cotton Incorporated, Society of Dyers and Colourists Hong Kong, Textile Institute Association (Hong Kong) Ltd., as well as The Hong Kong Institution of Textile and Apparel.
Under the theme “The New Frontier of Intimate Apparel”, this symposium discussed the latest trends and development in the global lingerie market. It also sharpened the industry’s competitive advantage to develop its future business and marketing strategies.
The symposium was officially kicked off by Prof. John Xin, Chair Professor and Head of ITC, and Mrs Rita Wong, Vice Chairman of HKIAIA and Managing Director of Cerie International Limited.
Distinguished local and overseas lingerie experts shared their insights and experience on the new marketing development in the intimate apparel industry. Ms Terri Meichner Fisher, President/ CEO of Platinum Coast Retail Consulting, Inc., U.S.A., delivered a talk on “How should brands and retailers position themselves for the new market requirements?”; Ms Eileen Karp, Chairperson & Assistant Professor, Fashion Design Department, School of Art and Design of Fashion Institute of Technology, U.S.A., talked about “What does the educator do to meet the market need?”; and Dr Gloria Yao, Director, Project Development of HKRITA, spoke on “How to begin to capitalize on the athleisure trend by increasing customer access to the performance features in underwear?”. Prof. Andrew Sia, Honorary Chairman of HKIAIA and Adjunct Professor of ITC, PolyU, acted as the moderator of the Discussion Forum.
In line with the symposium, three workshops were conducted in the same afternoon. Ms Terri Meichner Fisher, President/ CEO of Platinum Coast Retail Consulting, Inc., U.S.A., shared her views on “Panoramic View of the Intimate Apparel and the Athleisure Market in the U.S.”; Prof. Andrew Sia, Publisher of Intimate Apparel Journal, explored on “South Asia & Southeast Asia Country Reports – The Perspective from an Industrial Veteran”; and Mr Spike Ngai, Manager, Technical Marketing, Supply Chain Marketing Asia of Cotton Incorporated, talked about “Opportunities to Use Advanced Cotton”.
Established with strong industrial support in 2005, the Ace Style Institute of Intimate Apparel of ITC is the first lingerie institute in the Asia Pacific. Over the years, the Institute’s research has reaped fruitful results and gained international reputation. Graduates of the BA (Hons) programme in Intimate Apparel are keenly sought by the industry. Starting from 2008/09 academic year, the programme has been converted to a government-funded articulation programme. This milestone not only signifies the quality of the programme, but also charts a new course in the study of lingerie at tertiary level.
Detailed information of the Symposium and its workshops is available at:
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