A SELECT TRADE SHOW FOR INNOVATIVE & CREATIVE EXHIBITORS & RET AILERS FROM THE ASIA-PACIFIC & BEYOND

TOMORROW’S MULTI-BRAND RETAILERS

We round-up the top select stores in the region with feature article on Shine* founder

Gary Wong

MALAYSIA’S HOTTEST NEW DESIGNER

Edmond Ooi discusses being hand picked by Giorgio Armani to showcase at Teatro, Italy

MEGATRENDS FOR 2015 – 2016 Executive Vice President of WGSN Richard

Isham Sardouk tells The HUB about ‘Disruptive Innovation’

EMERGING DESIGNERS We review Asia’s fiercest new designers –

these names you will want to remember

4th edition - 12-13 March 2015

The Journal 03.

Editors NOTE4th Edition,

12-13 MARCH 2015

It was a real hono r to be asked to

guest edit The Journal for The HUB’s 4th Edition. Despite global criticism of a copy culture, I really see Asia at a tipping point. Innovation always takes place when economies are strong, and APAC is riding a boom. So while the world watches on, now is the time for local stars to rise up and meet the global demand. Whether is ‘disruptive innovation’ or merely stepping up to the plate we all have a part to play in how Asia can shape the future of fashion, design and multi-brand retailing.Its important we do not remain idle and deliver what has been tried and tested. As the landscape shifts dramatically, we need to see more events like The HUB on our doorstep. We need more platforms for emerging talent to be discovered in unique trade and commerce setting. We want to see more multi-brand

lifestyle stores give a level playing field for East and West brands to be experienced by evolving consumers who demand choice for freedom of expression delivered in original settings.For your reading pleasure, the editorial team has taken a look at the prominent and inventive select brand retailers setting regional standards and we met notable industry leads to discuss the importance of brands, lifestyles, trends and the future of multi-brand retailing. We’ve unearthed some of the most noteworthy designers coming out from the region and reviewed a selection of the pioneering international labels exhibiting at The HUB. We hope you enjoy reading The Journal as much as we enjoyed pulling it together.

Happy reading, Thomas

THOMAS EMPSONBrand Manager at Raff lesHong Kong

Make sure you stay in contact -Sign up to the e-newsletter. Review the blog frequently. Follow us on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter & Weibo

CO-FOUNDERS Richard Hobbs & Peter Caplowe

EDITOR Thomas Empson

FASHION EDITOR Krisha Sia

EDITORIAL ASSISTANT Cindy Xie

DESIGNER Richard Boyle

PHOTOGRAPHERS Andrea Pun - andreapun.com | Egill Bjarki - egillbjarki.com

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MULTI-BRAND SPOTLIGHT

EXHIBITING BRANDS

INTERVIEW: DIENASTIE INTERVIEW:

FLYING ZUCCHINIS

PENTAHOTEL REVIEW

GREENHOUSE: YOUNG DESIGNERS

MULTI-BRAND RETAILERS

SHINE

INTERVIEW: RICHARD

ISHAM SARDOUK OF WGSN

INTERVIEW: EDMOND OOI

LIFESTYLE VERSES TRENDS

INGRID ANDIC’S RETAIL TREND

LOUNGE 14.

CONTENTS

04 The Journal 05

The SPOTLIGHTRefreshingly, unlocking the ultimate multi-brand retailers in Greater China proves to be a greater task year-on-year.

The HUB has been out and about reviewing the latest as well as the best select stores.

Here is a round up of some essential visits in the region:

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THE FASHION DOOR (TFD)

The Fashion Door has selected some of the coolest mens and womens threads in the city. This inimitable store pays homage to textiles and designs coming from new emerging talent of China. The store is modern and sophisticates and creates several focal areas to cause fascination. Here you can find up and coming labels like May J, Manmade Natural, Three Society and Ricostru.

tfd.hkShop A12, 8090 Youth Fashion House, Mall of the World, Tianhe District

#Menswaer #Womenswear #EuropeanBrands #ContemporaryAsianDesigns

DRESSING FOR FUN

Since the store opened in 2012, DressingForFun continues to live up to its name. Catering to young creatives, their ethos is “have fun” in their creative city. The cute and quirky store has two halves; ‘black&white box’ and ‘rainbow house’ that certainly deliver a head-turning impact. DressingForFun select new and young designer brands from all over the world, with a real eye for colourful pieces, interesting silhouettes and creative fabricsTo further raise the profile of the light-hearted and vibrant dwellers of modern Chengdu, DressingForFun recently launched Funzine, a monthly magazine introducing the hip people about town

dressingforfun.com No.22-24 GanHuaiShu Street, JinJiang District, Chengdu City,

#Menswear #Womenswear #IndependentLabels #Fun

FAIR MINERVA

Combining high tea and shopping in Chengdu, Fair Minerva is hiding in one of the quieter streets of town, but that doesn’t stop the windows screaming out for your attention. The wonderful windows displays entice your attention and on entering the store the ‘Fair Minerva experience’ begins. Housing many European designers, the carefully orchestrated environment cleverly unites store layout and product in a way that allows everything to breath. From feature furniture scenes, sticking mannequins, brilliantly edited collections, an in-house flower shop down to the contrasting cold metal staircase, the minimalist organisation with the right interjection of quirky subtly evoke all the senses.

fairminerva.com 15-16, Xiaokejia Alley, Jinjiang

#Menswaer #Womenswear #EuropeanBrands #IndependentDesigners

CHENGDU GUANGZHOU

Fair Minerva

Dressing For Fun

The Fashion Door

Brand New China (BNC)

Radiance-Blue

BRAND NEW CHINA (BNC)

Producer of iLOOK magazine, blogger, celebrity and diligent promoter of homegrown Chinese designers, Hong Huang is well known to those in the know. Her store, Brand New China (BNC), strategically positioned in the evolving Village North complex among the likes of Versace and Lanvin, gives a unique platform for up-and-coming domestic designers to build their presence in the market and be seen. This Beijing boutique caters to the escalating demand from more adventurous, unique and cutting-edge pieces from local designers. This charming store is divided into two sections to show both fashion and industrial designs and host’s a hundred works by fashion, furniture and accessory designers.

brandnewchina.cnNLG-09a, Taikoo Li North, 19 Sanlitun Road

#Menswear #Womenswear #Contemporary #Furniture #Accessories

FEI SPACE

Originally the home of founder and creative director Lin Jing, Fei Space is a unique and eclectic shop in the heart of the trendy 798 area, the famous hub of Beijing’s contemporary art scene. This destination store, for trend setters and those in the know, displays an eclectic well-edited mix of high-fashion and high-street pieces, complemented with high-energy installations and contemporary furniture on sale too. Stocked designers include Christopher Raeburn, Native Youth, Le Specs and Dienastie.

feilook.comSecond floor, Building 1, Jiuxianqiao Lu, Area B, Chaoyang District

#Menswear #Womenswear #Contemporary #Furniture

RADIANCE-BLUE

A sanctuary for those who live and love the denim and vintage lifestyle, RADIANCE-Blue specialises in carrying vintage-inspired and handmade denim-centric fashion pieces from all over the world. While selling premium jeans-wear they also add various antique finds throughout the boutique to entice the vintage hunter-gatherer. RADIANCE-Blue is inspiring a work-wear revolution and championing the subtle ‘vintage’ lifestyle rising up in the East. Brands include Rising Sun and Red Cloud.

radiance-blue.com 36 Fangyuan West Road, Beijing, China, 100016

#Menswear #womeswear #Denim #Vintage #Workwear #Casual

BEIJING

06 The Journal 07The Journal

Fei Space

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ALTER

Designed by Francesco Gatti, founder and chief of innovative design studio 3GATTI, ALTER is a charming and nonconventional concept store situated in the trendy Luwan District: a pivotal design-oriented part of Shanghai. Conceptualised by owner Sonja Long, ALTER o!ers some of the finest creations by European fashion designers, many still new unknown in the Far East. The striking interior design and carefully edited selected garments and brands are all pulled together with exceptionally quirky visual merchandising and displays with mannequins defining gravity on the ceiling, infinity mirrors in the fitting room, and well curated intimate lighting the luxury aesthetics are unquestionable. shop.alterstyle.com Shop L116, No.245 Ma Dang Road, Luwan District, 200021

#Womenwear #Conceptstore #Nonconventional

XINLELU

Bridging the gap between fast fashion and luxury brands, Xinlelu’s new boutique in Shanghai’s French Quarters is the prefect extension of their online store. Bringing together top independent fashion designers from Asia and beyond, Xinlelu o!ers well-made, individual pieces at an accessible price in comfortable surroundings with personalised service. The physical store is a cozy home-from-home haven for the loyal online customer database to now experience the edited collections in close detail. Featuring custom-designed furnishings the intimate space blends the lines between an inviting living room and fashion store - a place for women to shop and relax.

xinlelu.com414 Shaanxi Bei Lu (x Beijing Xi Lu), Shanghai

#Boutique #IndependentDesigners #Womenswear

TRIPLE MAJOR

Since opening in 2012, Triple-Major Shanghai has become a prominent multi-label retailer for independent fashion labels and designers the globe over. Recently expanded from a single floor space to occupying the full four-story building, the 300 square meter store has a façade of striking distressed concrete. As you navigate through the whimsical store each area is given its own personality through quirky displays.Aside to apparel the lifestyle store introduces us to numerous other creativity labels in homeware, lifestyle products and independent publications, which is in fitting with the locations heritage as a prominent publishing area.

triple-major.comNo.1, 25 Shaoxing Lu, Huangpu District,

#Menswear #Womenwear #ConceptStore

DELSTORE

A concept store with a well-edited collection of known brands and new finds, Delstore is potentially one of Hong Kong’s best-kept secrets. Neatly tucked away in the trendy Wan Chai area, this store for those who seek out fashion apparel and experiential retailing at its most modest. The store is a must visit for the gentlemen about town that like quality and attention to detail in every piece. Brands include Arts & Science, BlueBlue, Nanamica, Kapital and Yaeca delstore.coNo.2 Sau Wa Fong 7 No.3 Schooner Street, Wan Chai.

#Menswear #Tailoring #Gentlemen #Edited #Denim #Quirky

D-MOP

Presented as a movie theatre, this D-Mop store is clearly dedicated to exploring and advocating unique and cutting-edge designs and supporting bright new talent. This lifestyle store provides edgy in-store displays and up-beat music to get the head nodding. Young, energetic and aspirational, the store and its sta! present a way of life that is intriguing. Sta! are on hand to o!er styling advice, and educate you on the in-store art, music and anything you need to know happenings in town.

d-mop.comShop B205-206 & B208-209, B2, K11,Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon

#Energetic #Youthful #Eccentric #StreetWear #StreetStyle

MHT

MHT is a new lifestyle boutique in Shanghai o!ering a unique setting and timeless pieces. Arriving through the courtyard, you are transported into a world of sophistication, confidence and style. The store attracts individuals seeking the best in quality, elegance and functionality. The MHT family travel far and wide to discover high-quality clothing and products with attentive details from the world’s leading fashion and design innovators. Each piece is ‘carefully handpicked with the intent to surprise and to push the boundary of fashion beyond trends and logos’ say’s founder, Jane Zhang.. Going against the grain MHT provides “slow-fashion” in a peaceful and tranquil setting.

www.mianhuatian.com 564 Chang Le Road, (Near Shan Xi South Road)

#Menswear #Womenswear #Minimalist

SHANGHAI SHANGHAI HONG KONG

Xinlelu

Triple Major

Delstore D-mop

MHT

Alter

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Shine* is always hailed as one of Hong Kong and China’s most admired select shopping destinations for chic and avant-garde fashion lovers. Merchandising

Director Gary Wong and his team of buyers are dedicated to bring unconventional style and individuality to fashion forward shoppers. Gary believes this is the reason why the trendsetters, celebrities and unconventional artists return to Shine* season after season. From ambiance to customer services, décor to a multitude of innovative brands - Shine* delivers. The Journal was lucky enough to grab 30 minutes with Gary while in town between jetting o! to tradeshow from tradeshow.

The HUB: Hi Gary, tell us how Shine* come about?Gary: Following graduating in Canada and during trips to London and Paris, I noticed that there was a strong presence of multi-brand retailers in European fashion capitals from independent boutiques to large scale departments stores. Back then, other than Lane Crawford and I.T, which was only

a small chain then, I noticed a huge market potential. Hong Kong was not being o!ered the same choices so I could see a massive opportunity for a more independent chain.

What inspired the Shine* store concept?Hong Kong was missing a good range of European imports lesser well known to the staple designers in department stores. I simply wanted to give a platform for these new brands to ‘shine’ in Hong Kong while giving fashion savvy customers more choice and freedom to express their style.

What inspired you to move Shine* into China? In the build up to the 2008 Beijing Olympics, you could really sense a shift in the dynamics of China. For the first time China was presenting themselves on a global platform - on an equal playing field. You might say that then customers were not ‘trendy’, but with this global encounter customers became more educated with what other influences there were on o!er. We followed the growing demand for more choice and I have always felt a strong synergy with Beijing.

How do you buy for the di!erent locations? We adopt two buying strategies. In Hong Kong we are more experimental. We have been here for longer and know our customers really well. We know what they will find interesting so mix up the levels while also having long term partnerships with brands that resonate with Shine* customers. In China the spending power is higher. There we work more with established brands with a larger edit. Once we have trialed a new brand in Hong Kong for a few seasons, with good take-up, we move them into Beijing. But Chinese consumers tastes are shifting rapidly. They are becoming much more educated, sophisticated with foreign influences, its great to be a part of it.

What are the biggest challenges for multi-brand retailers in the Asia Pacific? There are a lot of external factors at the moment that you have little control over. There is a big trend in personal shopping taking customers away from the stores, also online shopping. There is a trend too where people see your concept doing well so they copy it and set up shop, right on your doorstep. I support fair competition but to set up on the same doorstep is just rude. People need to di!erentiate and give a little distance. There is also the blurred line between high-end and high street. Brands like TOPSHOP and COS, especially in Asia where stores sit right beside each other, rival the style, which is misleading.

So how do you overcome these challenges? You just have to stay ahead of the competition and buy smart. We have a long-standing loyal customer base. They trust in us to find them what is new and next. We play around with our recipe as trends die fast, but timeless is timeless. Added to this is allot of dedication and e!ort. I ensure the full team is knowledgeable on what’s happening in the marketplace so we are one step ahead. We o!er quality and individualism for self expression and that’s key.

Can you name some of your biggest customers? Some of our loyal celebrity clientele includes; Chinese actor, singer and model Huang Xiaoming, music artist Shu Qi, actor Zhou Shou, canto-pop group Twins: Charleen Choi and Gillian Chung, and actor Joey Yung.

Finally, how does The HUB weigh up as a trade show? Gary: Hong Kong didn’t have any trade shows worth talking about before. The HUB needs to continue to bring in powerful brands that will continue to build over time. You also have to ensure you continue to o!er a platform for the exciting new designers coming out of South East Asia – this is what we are all looking – who is the next big thing coming Taiwan, Malaysia, Korea etc so we can discover them on our doorstep.

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ShiningTHE LIGHT FOR MULTI-BRAND RETAILING IN ASIA

You just have to stay ahead of

the competition and buy smart.

We have a long-standing loyal

customer base. They trust in us

to find them what is new and

next. We play around with our

recipe as trends die fast, but

timeless is timeless.Shine*’s brands include KTZ, Yoji Yamamoto Pour Homme, Preen, Tricot Comme Des Garcon and Frankie Morello to name a few. The chain of stores

are a must visit - getting the select multi-brand retailing recipe right for over a decade and constantly sparking excitement in our fashion neurons.

Shop B, G/F., 5-7 Cleveland Street, Fashion Walk , Causeway Bay

shinegroup.com.hk

Recently appointed as Executive Vice President at WGSN in London, United Kingdom,

Richard Isham Sardouk is leading the company’s global vision and creative direction for the new WGSN Mindset consulting services.

Richard has over 25 years experience working in trend forecasting covering United States, Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA) and Asia and Pacific (APAC). Added to this is a Résumé that features the biggest names in trend forecasting; Stylesight and Promostyl. Specialising in the development of retail fashion trends for menswear and womenswear, intimates, footwear, beauty and accessories, The HUB collared Richard for some future insight after a recent visit to Hong Kong.

The HUB: Hi Richard, what are WGSN’s trend predictions for AW15 and SS16?Richard: This season’s overarching theme “Disrupt to Innovate” invites us to challenge the way we think and to walk away from linearity in order to provoke disruptive innovation.

Disruptive innovation is not just about the “new”. It’s a discovery, a breakthrough – a creative milestone – that not only disrupts the norm and changes the game, but also creates a paradigm shift that leaves its competition and predecessor looking obsolete.

Regardless of what we believe, we are all capable of disruptive innovation; we just have to push ourselves to look

beyond the familiar and question why we continue to do the same thing over and over in the same way.

Of course, we are creatures of habit, but it’s in the letting go that the magic really happens. Creating new tensions with new elements, dislocating standard procedure and allowing new thoughts to enter into the creative process is where creativity really thrives.

In your eyes, what impact is China having on the world of fashion?China is starting to have an impact on the world of fashion yet it is not where it should be. There are many great new Chinese labels and designers, the challenge now is to be able to compete with the big players and bring a disruptive movement that can have longevity.

Fashion is about newness and innovation, it’s about the excitement that a purchase can provide, the perfect customer experience and a sort of secret recipe that will keep the customer coming back asking for more, in other words innovation, experience and loyalty and these can only be delivered when a market has full control of the quality and the image associated with.

What Asia cities are you keeping a close eye on?Tokyo is always a great place for denim and sportswear, Seoul always, Shanghai and Hong Kong.

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Disruptive innovation is not just about the “new”.

It’s a discovery, a breakthrough – a creative milestone –

that not only disrupts the norm and changes the game, but also creates a paradigm shift that leaves

its competition

& predecessor looking obsolete

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Disruptive INNOVATION

RICHARD ISHAM SARDOUK, WGSN

Megatrends for S/S 16 were built around the same principle: the concept of odd marriages to create new aesthetics.

1. In Monumental, futurism is paired with primitivism where Neolithic structures are voluminous and polished at the same time 2. In Visceral, we let the active sport influence flirt with a darker world of light and fantasy

3. Sartorial continues the homage of etiquette dressing yet turns it upside down, adding a fun quirkiness and a bolder stamp.

4. Moving into softer territory, Graceful is the marriage of the fragile and pure, a beautiful combination that oscillates between the dainty and delicate.

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Malaysian

TAKES THE WORLD BY STORM

INDIVIDUALIST

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The HUB: So Edmund, how was it being handpicked by Giorgio Armani to showcase at Teatro?It was a few weeks ago now, but surprisingly but it feels like forever. It’s an amazing opportunity and I truly felt honoured. Words cannot express how gratifying it was as a young designer to be chosen to show in the Giorgio Armani theatre.

What is the concept behind your Milan debut collection?Honestly - I base my collections on myself. I have a fascination with science fiction and often I begin with that concept, and the design process progresses from there.

Why did you choose to get involved with menswear?Menswear has many more restrictions than womenswear. My goal is to break them down bit-by-bit. I know that it’s a challenge, but I like to push my limits.

What made you decide to carve your path in fashion?Edmund: My Mother was a tailor when I was younger so clothing design was always around me. I was fortunate enough to received a scholarship for my training in Malaysia and decided to pursue further studies in Antwerp.

Why did you choose Antwerp?It was a very long distance for me to go all the way to Antwerp but it was there that I believed I could reach my full potential. I truly admire what they (Royal Academy of Fine Art) do, therefore it felt right to step out of my boundaries for opportunity. The experience has definitely helped me form my own aesthetics in design.

How would you di!erentiate the Malaysian and Antwerp design scenes?Back in Malaysia, the warm climate confines us to designing for the spring/summer climates, compared to Antwerp where there are two seasons. I find this much more interesting. When you create fall/winter clothes, there is more to play around with, despite the time-consuming process.

Emerging menswear spearhead Edmund Ooi is already galvanizing the East and West with his graphical compositions and electrifying aesthetics. Being the youngest laureate to showcase his first collection at nineteen

and upholding impressive titles including ‘Most Promising Designer Award’ and ‘Best Avant-Garde Designer’ during Malaysia International Fashion Award (MIFA), Edmund proves age is no hindrance to calibre.

Edmund was selected to showcase in the Armani Teatro this fall by fashion titan Giorgio Armani himself. His signature designs are breaking down all gender-related silhouettes and blurring the fashion lines that define traditional mens and womens tailoring to make way for a new genre: ‘Everyone’. Featuring spatial elements from the content of sci-fi and archetypal precision, his cleaver designs are supported with a series of cutting-edge graphics on volumized structures.

Edmund Ooi is undoubtedly creating ripple waves beyond the niche in his Milan debut. The HUB were lucky enough to catch-up with Edmund on route to the airport to select fabrics for his next collection:

What do you distinguish between Eastern and the Western aesthetics?It’s very di"cult to characterise. Nowadays there are a lot of upcoming Asian designers and their works are auspicious as well. In terms of fabrication or design, you can’t really judge, at all, with the world being so connected, merging styles are apparent in the industry.

Would you consider integrating cultural aspects to your designs? I would love to do something about Asia sometime in the future but I don’t think I’m ready for that yet. First o!, I want to uphold an international perspective and explore the rest of the world before I get back to the core.

What is next for Edmund Ooi?I want to break away from the sharpness and the shape of science fiction from my past collections. Hence, this time, utilising more natural-looking fabrics. Actually, I’m heading to Paris now to choose fabrics for my next collection.

It’s very difficult to characterise. Nowadays there are a lot of upcoming Asian designers and their

works are auspicious as well. In terms of fabrication or design, you can’t really judge…at all.

With the world being so connected, merging styles is apparent in the industry.

edmundooi.com

Fashion follows a cycle, shifting from an introductory phase to obsolescence. Some trends

sustain for longer, some die down quickly while some come back years after their original decline. So is there a measurable time period for this rapid fluxing cycle?

A highly–respected fashion historian James Laver, curator of Victoria and Albert Museum in the late 20th century, once famously quoted a timeline of how a styles are measured. He stated ‘A trend, when worn ten years before its time is indecent, one year before its time is considered daring, during its peak is smart and ten years after is just plain fashion suicide’.

However, things have changed – massively. Driven by technological innovations and the profound e!ect of social media, the timeline has dramatically sped up. A trend can go viral overnight through all the ‘hashtags’ on Instagram and ‘shares’ on Facebook, the swift hype of sports lux is a prime example. Clearly, what is ‘in’ or ‘out’ is now strongly in the hands of the consumers and at the tap of a touch screen.

We are in the prime of the millennial age

of fashion with a tech savvy GenZ hot on the re-pins. A traditional bi-annual spring/summer and autumn/winter seasons now come with select pre-fall and resort collections. Consumers call for constant newness and brands need to respond to this demand. Fashion retailer behemoth Zara has transformed the process of the whole fabric industry, taking merely two weeks to take a product from runway to rack, so how do fashion brands keep up or adapt?

Pierre-François Le Louët, president of Paris-based trend forecasting agency NellyRodi said to Business of Fashion, “You don’t sell the product of the season that well anymore, the most important thing is to work on your brand identity, who you are, how you di!erentiate from your competitors...”

So are brands moving away from being trend-focused to lifestyle attentive? By firmly associating with a particular way of life brands can develop strong emotional relationship that can build on consumers’ lifestyles, encouraging them to adopt specific brands and product ranges.

The critically acclaimed Adidas by Stella McCartney, associated with the fitness

to fashion subculture, premises on the idea that workout clothes should be functional and feminine, a tip of the hat to the reality that women wear gym togs on a regular basis for functional wear and not purely exercise. For ten years now, the long-term collaboration has successfully grown to include several athletic disciplines including running, gym, yoga, tennis, swimming, golf, winter sports and the traumatic dash from home to the o"ce.

However, as several brands continue to fight for a share of the sport-chic marketplace, brands have to keep a laser-sharp eye on consumers shifting perceptions and changing lifestyle demands. As customers mature they inherently drift into di!erent lifestyles and their requirements evolve. So is there a way we can transcend lifestyle trends and remain relevant for more than a few years?

Can brands create stories that penetrate our psyches at a deeper level, creating an intimate bond and understanding that entwines with our aspirations, hopes and dreams? If we can resonate with individuals at this level can we truly nurture brand ambassadors that become lifelong advocates.

BY KRISHA SIA

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Lifestyle VS. Trends“A trend, when worn ten years before its time is indecent, one year before

its time is considered daring, during its peak is smart and ten years after is just plain fashion suicide.”

James Laver

Join in the debate & have your say on our LinkedIn profile

We are in the prime of the millennial age

of fashion with a tech savvy GenZ hot on the re-pins.

A traditional bi-annual spring/summer and autumn/

winter seasons now come with select pre-fall and resort

collections. Consumers call for constant newness

& brands need to respond to this demand.

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Retail Trend

WITH INGRID ANDIC

LOUNGE

Don’t miss your chance to meet with Ingid.

Send The HUB an email and we will clarify available timeslots: visit@thehub.hk

Formerly of WGSN and Stylesight, Ingrid Andic is a trend specialist with widespread experience.

With an understanding of the world of trends, consumer brands and consumer behaviour, Ingrid will host a range of informal sessions to discuss how the likes of Omni-Channel Retailing, Big Data, Beacons and Constant Connectivity will impact and define physical retail environments in luxury and fashion retail globally.

‘If we observe the evolution of the high street in the past decade, giants in music & photography retail have disappeared overnight. As pioneers of brick-and-mortar select concepts stores, we need to adapt to the growing market of e-commerce. Now is the time to step up & understand how you can deliver experiential retail environments to drive customer acquisition and retention & quite frankly technology cannot be ignored’.

Ingrid Andic

Visiting from the UK, Ingrid brings years’ of experience in both innovative and analytical approaches to trend forecasting. Working previously as a Trend Specialist at WGSN and Stylesight, London, Ingrid has experience working with clients across several industry sectors including apparel, textiles, home furnishings and automotive.

Formally speaking at other international trade shows Ingrid relishes meeting industry professionals to discuss how to make trends actionable so decision makers can make informed decisions and validate new concepts.

The HUB could not miss the opportunity to invite Ingrid to host this series of exclusive forums over the course of our two-day show. These informal sessions will provide insight, inspiration and information in the future of retail set in a relaxed atmosphere.

The EXHIBITORS

A selection of brands showing this season at THE HUB: 12-13 MARCH 2015

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ExhibitorsExhibitors

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FIVERFROM: Italy FOUNDED: 2012 COLLECTION: Menswear

Fiver is driven to change direction from norm, presenting a collection of wardrobe essentials. Crafted with the finest materials, finishes, colors and handmade ornaments, Fiver blends street classics with pop memories that create an original contrast where you can express your own style. Urban, sporty, funny elegant, sophisticated – This is Fiver.fiver-jeans.it

5 PREVIEWFROM: Sweden FOUNDED: 2008 COLLECTION: Menswear & Womenswear

5PREVIEW began in 2008 in a small apartment in Rome when Swedish designer and illustrator, Emeli Mårtensson, decided to release a small, graphic tee shirt collection of 5 pieces. Her expressive illustrative style and ironic, bold imagery became quickly popular and the label expanded from a small tee shirt line into a complete women’s collection. 5preview.se

LOCAL PEOPLES DENIMFROM: Melbourne FOUNDED: 2010 COLLECTION: Denim

Local People Denim was founded in 2010 by Giuseppe Demaio, Creative Director of Local People, a Melbourne based design studio supporting brands with a focus on making positive social impact through design. They source only the highest quality and unique fabrics from Japan, mainly from Kojima, in the Okayama Prefecture. Their fabrics come from some of the most esteemed mills in the area, who continue to break boundaries, using a combination of traditional and modern methods and practices. The jeans are raw, simple and essential. No washes, no gimmicks just the perfectly crafted pair. localpeopledenim.com

WHATEVERFROM: Hong Kong FOUNDED: 2014 COLLECTION: Womenswear

WHATEVER is an independent Hong Kong contemporary fashion designer label founded in 2014 by fashion designer Lun. The brand concept draws inspiration from sport, modern and attitude. He is eager to create the simple casual attitude, indulgent slightly rebellious and one with a relaxed aesthetic and focus on easy simplicity with sporty element.whatever.hk

ANDREW MAJTENYIFROM: London FOUNDED: 2009 COLLECTION: Womenswear

Unlike most fashion designers who start with a sketch, Andrew Majtenyi gets his inspiration from the textures, colour and feel of the fabric. Andrew has designed f or the film and television, and has has worked on numerous productions. andrewmajtenyi.com

SAU CLOTHINGFROM: Hong Kong FOUNDED: 2009 COLLECTION: Womenswear

Inspired by the bold, eclectic women of Hong Kong. SAU is the answer to modern working women all around the world who have a love for fashion, and who aren’t afraid to stand out. sauclothing.com

NEUWFROM: Sweden & Australia FOUNDED: 2001 COLLECTION: Denim, Menswear & Womenswear

Inspired by traditional denim pattern making and tailoring, NEUW collects the best jeans fits, fabrics, details and finishes from the past 100 years, and re-cuts the jeans and re-develops the fabrics to be right for now.neuwdenim.co

ÉVOCATEUR FROM: U.S.A FOUNDED: 2009 COLLECTION: Accessories

A collection of alluring, art-driven jewelry fuses innovative design with glamorous sophistication.The jewellery’s inimitable style features striking images inspired by old world civilizations, African safaris, romantic impressionistic gardens, as well as abstract renderings and whimsical designs. Capturing the art and luxury of handmade jewellery, each piece becomes a modern heirloom, evoking memories and stories. evocateurstyle.com

The EXHIBITORS

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GLOVERALLFROM: London FOUNDED: 1951 COLLECTION: Menswear & Womenswear

Gloverall is the archetypal luxury British Designer brand, famous for Original Mens and Womens Ladies Du#e coats, Original Monty, British Naval Reefers, committed to superior craftsmanship and impeccable details season after season for the past 60 years.gloverall.com

WHYREDFROM: Sweden FOUNDED: 1999 COLLECTION: Accessories, Menswear & Womenswear

Whyred was born out of the need for a brand embodying the modernist credo of dresswear by the style conscious. Whyred brings iconic styles back in a modern version. The brand is all about contrasts, fashion well made, and art, music & tailoring.whyred.se

HARRIS WHARFFROM: London FOUNDED: 2009 COLLECTION: Menswear & Womenswear

Harris Wharf London originated back in 2009, following the opening of it’s own multi-brand store, Workshop, located in the antiques market of Camden Passage in Islington, London.

The vibrant North-East London atmosphere inspires the menswear and womenswear collections while the craftsmanship comes from the founder’s family factory in Turin, Italy.harriswharflondon.co.uk

DA+PPFROM: Thailand FOUNDED: ??? COLLECTION: Menswear & Womenswear

DA+PP has “accidentally” emerged from their team’s geeky youthfulness, love of abstract art and for their brand’s enjoyment in twisted humour. Experimental and edgy, their fashion is always market fresh, their style funky and their store... punchy. They are the Pied Piper for Posh and Pure people everywhere, splashing colours into our collections; patching prints onto form-fitting canvases and adapting this indie philosophy across accessories. That’s not to say DA+PP’s rebelliousness strays from their 30 years of brand heritage: crisp tailoring, quality craftsmanship, and passion for details. They are simply an a!ordable excellence you will find in every DA+PP product.da-pp.com

SANDERSFROFOUNDED: COLLECTION

Sanders & Sanders Ltd. was established by brothers William and Thomas Sanders of Rushden, Northamptonshire. As apprentices, the brothers had a dream of setting up their own label before finally pursuing and realizing their dream. The result today is a shoe label of English elegance, run today within the fourth generation of the Sanders family. sanders-uk.com

THOMPSON OF LONDONFROM: London FOUNDED: 2010 COLLECTION: Accessories

Thompson London is renowned for its exclusive cu#inks and distinctive fashion accessories. With innovative and inspirational designs, Thompson London o!ers a range of styles from contemporary to classic. From the very beginning of commercial success, Thompson London has been able to push the boundaries of design, presenting exciting and original concepts to its customers in every collection.thompsonlondon.com

ESPEROSFROM: U.S.A. FOUNDED: 2012 COLLECTION: Accessories

ESPEROS came to life shortly after its founder, Oliver Shuttlesworth, returned from a trip to Central America. After witnessing the debilitating e!ects of extreme poverty on children in those areas, he became resolved to create a sustainable solution that would equip children in the developing world with the tools needed to build a brighter future for themselves and their communities for generations to come. esperosbags.com

Exhibitors

The EXHIBITORS

A selection of brands showing this season at THE HUB: 12-13 MARCH 2015

HIDDEN FROM: Hong Kong FOUNDED: 2013 COLLECTION: Womenswear, Ready-to-wear

Emma Wallace is a British fashion designer in Hong Kong. Known for her custom-made red carpet gowns and elaborate costumes, in A/W 2013 Emma launched her first ready-to-wear brand. The Collection is called HIDDEN. So named because of her love for that wonderful feeling of hunting through deep dark vintage shops and finding that hidden gem that you have to buy.emma-wallace.com

Exhibitors

The HUB (TH): We love the brand and what it stands for. Can you tell our readers about the Dienastie ethos?Erik: Most people today tend to be drones following others expectations. Dienastie is about breaking free and creating a new set of essentials, it’s about taking that leap of faith, the jump which society makes us fear so much - to be prepared to ‘die nasty’. Mark Twain once said: “The fear of death follows from the fear of life. A man who lives fully is prepared to die at any time.”

Are we becoming more or less fearful in today’s society?Interesting question, people are definitely held back by fear, not only fear of doing daredevil things, more so the act of pursuing what they want in life, their dreams. Leaving the variable of fear aside would definitely make it easier for many to achieve their true destiny in life. Dienastie o!ers a confronting counterbalance. We aim to inspire everybody to care less about something as restraining as fear and to live their life.

With 13k followers on Instagram, what been your success with Social Media?We stopped caring about numbers a long time ago. We’ve just tried to focus on showing that we’re actually living our tagline. To inspire people to do the same is one of our true goals. We’ve grown a lot of followers lately so our message and support seems to catch on. We’re happy about that for sure.

Collaborations seem to be key to your growth strategy – can we get an exclusive for 2015?Great collaborations are definitely important to us. We have some interesting partnerships coming this year but can’t reveal them all just yet. Our latest collaborations presented at The HUB is Dienastie X jewellery brand Protesta. Coming from drastically di!erent backgrounds, we are proud to present a unique collaboration

with influences from Asian megacities and skyscrapers to the contrasting free spirits of the vast Swedish landscape. These handmade acetate frames are hybrids with the strong, creative jewellery works of Protesta and the cool, edgy frames of Dienastie. We hope people love them as much as we do.

What do you mean by 2015 is ‘Game Time’: Instagram ‘1.1.2015’We are still a young brand. To build a strong brand usually takes several years, if not decades. We’ve been fortunate enough to use new marketing strategies to grow healthily and quickly. We launched in Asia 2013, we grew and matured a lot in 2014. This year we are ready to take on the big guys! It’s simply game time for us. We have so many cool things to present during 2015. We are really excited and you just have to stay tuned on social media to know more.

What your take on multi-branded retailers?Multi branded stores are great because there is naturally a bigger emphasis on lifestyle rather than on a single brand. Dienastie is happy to collaborate with any shop promoting a lifestyle similar to our own.

Cutty Ranks once said, ‘Six million ways to die, choose one’. Can you?The way I die and when I die is irrelevant. As long as I live my life trying to pursue my true dreams and cherishing the people I love. We don’t want people to pursue death or a life threatening lifestyle. The point is to pass on to another life happy, without regrets. This is what our brand is about.

Lastly. How does the Hong Kong skyline weigh-up for roof-topping?I’ve seen a lot of places. Hong Kong is truly one of my favourite places when it comes to rooftops.

dienastie.com | instagram.com/dienastie

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CREATING A NEW SET OF ESSENTIALS

Dienastie OR LIVE TRYING Since launching in 2011, Swedish Eyewear brand Dienastie has grown from strength to strength

living up to their hard hitting tagline ‘Play Hard, Die Nastie’. The daredevil brand boasts recent viral videos of ‘roof topping’ being clicked the planet over, securing social media

wildfire and features by NBC News and South China Morning Post. They also have a great portfolio of successful collaborations under their belt with Volkswagen Formula Racing, Pepsi Girl Momu Wu and Japanese Super GT driver Andrea Caldarelli.

The HUB couldn’t wait to catch up with Founder Erik Biedron to get his fearless responses on success, the future and kicking the bucket.

‘Dienastie is not only

an eyewear brand –

it’s a movement,

an ideology, inspiring

people to pursue their

true goals in life’.

The Zacchinis’ were and are my cousins.

The first human cannonball was Hugo Zacchini.

His father, who invented the compressed air

cannon, was Ildebrando Zacchini,

the brother of my great grandfather.

Between the 1930’s and 1950’s the Zacchini’s

were as popular as Brad Pitt is today...

FlyingZACCHINIS

The HUB met with the dynamic George Migliorelli, Founder and Managing Director for Flying Zacchini’s, in their humble design studio

adjacent to the flagship store in PMQ in late February.

Previously working in aviation electronics for commercial and military use, George admits ‘I didn’t know what I was doing when I set out and launched the brand five-years ago’. As an Italian-America from Brooklyn, George’s father was an Italian immigrant and a bricklayer by trade. A self-taught craftsman, George was used to manipulating leather and experiment as a means to relax when he was younger.

Before the interview starts, the leather and product fanatic starts to clamber up shelves and present an array of beautifully made leather goods. The experience reminded me of the scene from author Roald Dahl’s novel The BFG where the Big Friendly Giant teaches new recruit Sophie the secret recipe to making dreams in glass bottles.

We examine the quality and craftsmanship of the many di!erent pieces. From the heavy cowhide leather, sourced from Santa Croce, which ‘appeals to the more attuned Japanese leather consumer’. These timeless products feature heavy wrap round stitching sealed with a struck match, veg tan dying and treated to appear worn and vintage.

George further explains the new and e xpanding range of horsehide goods with a glossy exterior that appeal to the female customers. These are ‘less about the beaten and worn look, its much more about the attention to detail’ says George.

We observe a new key piece inspired by the medicine bag of native America-Indians, being showcased at The HUB as part of their latest range, and a miniature version inspired by a America-Indian corn seed satchel.

H314, PMQ, 35 Aberdeen Street, Central

flyingzacchinis.com

The final sample we examine is a holdall inspired by a doctors bag ‘It’s been in production for a while, we are just waiting to get the product right before we take it to market’ George explains, ‘everything has to be prefect from the hardware to the finish – our customers and buyers feedback is essential’.

So George, I’m dying to know; where does the brand name come from?George: This is a great story actually. The Zacchinis’ were and are my cousins. The first human cannonball was Hugo Zacchini. His father, who invented the compressed air cannon, was Ildebrando Zacchini, the brother of my great grandfather. Between the 1930’s and 1950’s the Zacchini’s were as popular as Brad Pitt is today, with up to five groups touring the world performing this groundbreaking circus act. The brand name evolved from there.’

As I am guided around the store, various vintage posters of flying or suspended characters all suddenly fall into place.

The HUB: Tell us, how did this charming store come about?I saw an article in the South China Morning Post one-day talking about the development of the Police Married Quarters, now PMQ, and I just remembering thinking I fit the bill. They were looking for Hong Kong based business, producing in Hong Kong and seeking to employ Hong Kong sta!. It played on my mind for a while. I then tracked down the journalist who put me in contact with PMQ and it just naturally developed from there.

Your products are great. Who is it you are designing for when putting pen to paper?Since the store has opened I have actually been surprised. I used to design predominantly for men aged 28-40 using veg tan cowhide. Menswear goods were about 90% of my product range and took strong

TIMELESS IS SIMPLICITY

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aesthetic influence from the vintage lifestyle. However since opening the store female customers started to comment that they loved the pieces but felt there was nothing there for them. Therefore we have started to shift our o!ering to be 65% male and 35% female. This has been a real challenge when designing vintage inspired pieces for ladies. There are few trends they have reclaimed, or that transcend time so the product shapes take reference from historical pieces and di!erent culture references to bring something new with a vintage twist. We design for people who want timeless pieces and who make a style look timeless.

What in your eyes makes a product timeless?Timeless is simplicity. You need good quality materials and hardware so that a product is built to last but with functionality in the design. Each Flying Zacchini product is intended to be enjoyed by our customers for years to come - quality in design and craftsmanship never go out of style.

What can buyers expect to see from your AW15 collection? Our intention from day 1 was not really to have new seasons collections. We started out with 55 products and that has now doubled. We just aim to add 6-7 new pieces each season and want to be well known for delivering consistently good pieces year in year out and for being reliable to our customers. Each multi-brand store wants something di!erent and we listen to them.

As George presented each piece, I could not help but feel more certain; George, just like the BFG, is creating timeless memories and beautifully pieces to be cherished like a good dream. The secret concoction of each Flying Zacchini piece is not only for George to know, but a process he is sharing with his new product designer Angel Chow. Make sure you catch the team at The HUB and pop by the store to nab yourself a timeless piece.

The hotel’s overall

design blends style with

simplicity & comfort

with convenience

pentaHOTEL

Since opening in late 2013, the 32-storey lifestyle pentahotel, situated in the fast-emerging Kai Tak area of Kowloon East, has

gone on to win “Best New Hotel in Hong Kong” at The 7th Annual TTG China Travel Awards 2014.

‘Designed as a nucleus for the local community and a home base for independent-minded travellers and digital nomads’ states Iris Ho, Director of Communications, the Hong Kong branch joins its sister hotels in Beijing, Berlin, Paris and Shanghai to welcome a new generation of travellers.

The hotel’s overall design blends style with simplicity and comfort with convenience. Contemporary rustic décor, including aged brick, reclaimed oak and painted concrete walls laced with Hong Kong themed graphics, give a well-rounded whimsical charm.

With a total of 695 loft-style guestrooms, depending on your budget you can choose from a range of rooms sizes from the quirkily named pentarooms, pentaplus and pentagrands. All feature conveniently open closets with echoed prints of bustling Hong Kong city scenes, bathrooms are dark tiled with forest showerheads and modern technology features for the tech-savvy travellers includes complimentary Wi-Fi, smartphone docking stations, smartphone charging service, digital check-in and check-out,

19 Luk Hop Street, San Po Kong, Kowloon, Hong Kong

Tel : +852 3112 8222 | pentahotels.com

37-inch LED TV, electronic safe, individually controlled air-conditioning, co!ee and tea-making facilities

The wider hotel boasts a 24-hour gym, seasonal outdoor pool, a ‘pentafun’ music station, two games rooms, foreign currency exchange, express laundry service, luggage storage, a safe room on the mezzanine floor, and general business such as faxing and photocopying services at the hotel’s reception area.

The neighbourhood lifestyle concept of pentahotel is apparent at pentalounge, the heart and soul of the pentahotel experience, which seamlessly combines the lobby, reception area, bar and café into a single venue on the first floor. The 230-seated area o!ers a wide range of favourite local dishes as well as best-loved Western comfort foods and all-day drinks. The pizzabar, located next to the hotel’s main entrance on the ground floor, o!ers authentic homemade Italian-style pizzas, to be enjoyed on-site or for takeaway.

The buzzy dinner bu!et’s market-style stations include Grill, Wok Kitchen, Deli, Steam and Noodle Corners. Local palates will appreciate the double-boiled soups, noodles ranging from braised beef brisket to fish ball varieties, grilled lamb chops and seafood platters, and speciality dishes such as Chongqing Chicken Pot and Deep-fried Fish Fillet with Sweet and Sour Sauce. Diners are further tempted by homemade desserts and traditional Chinese sweet soups and puddings.Just a 40-minute drive from Hong Kong International Airport, and with free complimentary shuttle bus transports guests to the nearby Diamond Hill MTR station and other designated locations in Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon Bay and Kwun Tong.

The hotel o!ers friendly, uncomplicated services for independent-minded travellers and young-spirited customers.

PENTAHOTEL HONG KONG, KOWLOON

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The Greenhouse initiative is part of The HUB’s enterprise to provide a platform for up-

and-coming designers and labels to be discovered by international media and buyers.

Our mission is to profile fashion and design talents learning their trade in Hong Kong

and those making advances the region over. Here are our predictions for key players in

the next generation of young designers in the heart of Asia.

The GREENHOUSE

INJURY

Founded by Eugene Leung in Sydney, Australia in 2004, INJURY is no stranger to the runway. Featured at recent Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week in Australia and at Mercedes-Benz China Fashion Week Beijing, the brand has been well received worldwide by media and buyers.

Especially strong in original graphic prints and tailoring pieces, INJURY has earned continuous support from celebrities in Australia and overseas, such as Guy Sebastian, Ronan Keating, Sammi Cheng, Eason Chan and Charlene Choi.

‘The name INJURY, it comes from when you are being cut and sewn; you are in a situation of INJURY, the same as fabrics’. Says Leung

INJURY is now distributing worldwide to over 50 stockists in Australia, New Zealand, USA and Asia. Prominent stockists include: OAK (New York), Harvey Nichols (Hong Kong), I.T (Hong Kong), D-Mop (Hong Kong), Psychedelia (Japan), Boy+ (Korea), Alfies Friend Rolfe (Australia), The Society of Black Sheep (Singapore), Alter (China), NY Fashion Studio (China) and The Fashion Door (China).

theinjury.com.au

:8CUFF BY SUE SUH

An insignia of innovation and construction, :8CUFF has etched its name amongst a cohort of surfacing menswear labels. Founded in 2014, :8CUFF serves as a perspectival oeuvre of cultural spirit and recurring societal issues.

Seoul-born and Shanghai-raised designer Sue Suh is the visionary mind behind the sports lux-inspired streetwear label.

“My inspiration contains various statements about immorality, injustice and other issues of humankind, that I can’t seem to wrap up in one sentence,” says Suh.

Suh speaks her unorthodox opinions through uncompromising visuals from found images and her own canvases and creating structured symmetrical shapes with emphases on strong features. Utilising neoprene, leathers and techno-textiles in jackets that hold their own exaggerated proportions, Suh stands out and catches a watchful eye from fashion mavens, including Vogue Italia as one amid 200 Emerging Designers of 2014 along with international publications Fucking Young, Hint Magazine, Institute Magazine and Oci Magazine.

At Hong Kong Fashion Week Sue Suh made such an impression that she was awarded both the Brand Ready Award and Collection of the Year 2014 by Ra#es Hong Kong.

:8CUFF is now based between Shanghai and Hong Kong, and is making a global presence showcasing in Paris and now The HUB.

8cuff.com

DAWN BEY

Singaporean-born and raised Dawn Bey takes a modern standpoint with her idiosyncratic views on the here and now.

From challenging the way we think, to breaking the typecasts by empowering women in traditionally-male dominated jobs, Bey conveys life to the ideal through structures, textures and juxtaposing fabrics set to be simultaneously versatile yet distinctive.

“I personally believe that my garments should make a statement about the times we live in rather than recreate the past. I’m a sentimental person, but I like living in the now,” says Bey.

Bey has indeed reflected a statement as she was named Asia Fashion Exchange Top Blogger 2012 by Singapore’s most prestigious fashion event, Audi Fashion Festival and was awarded SCAD Artistic Honors Scholarship in 2013 and SCAD Dean’s Award respectively in 2013 and 2014.

In 2014, Bey founded an iron-on patch business, Pew Pew Patches, developing unique signature designs. Pew Pew Patches is now circulating across stockists in Asia, including Rockstar (Singapore), SUPERSPACE (Singapore) and 10 x 10 (South Korea).

dawnbey.com

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