"A TASTE OF INDIAN MODELS"

"Karishma Shah"

2009-04-05T04:32:00.000-07:00

"Karishma Kotak"

2009-04-05T04:29:00.000-07:00

"Jigna Mehta"

2009-04-05T04:25:00.000-07:00

"Hazel Crowney"

2009-04-05T04:15:00.000-07:00

"Bibi Russel Shows Gamcha Collection At Kolkata Fashion Week"

2009-04-05T04:10:00.000-07:00

This is the first time that I am showing my work in India Fashion Week and I am absolutely thrilled to show in Kolkata Fashion Week. This year has been declared the Year of Natural Fibre, which I am extremely excited about. For the last 15 years, I have been working hard with our weavers and craftspeople to promote our natural fibres. I am doubly honoured, as a Bengali, to participate in the Kolkata Fashion Week, where the focus is on our magical weaves.

I get inspiration for my designs from the people of Bangladesh and the beautiful colours which can be found here, especially in the villages. I also gain a lot of inspiration from going to the villages and seeing the weavers and craftspeople at work.

All my fabrics are hand-woven, and natural. I do not use synthetic materials. The fabrics I use are Khadi, Cotton, Silk, Gamcha, Jute yarn fabric, Tribal fabrics, recycle fabrics and of course the legendary Jamdani, which was once worn only in the royal courts and is still the most highly valued fabric of the country.

All my accessories are made from natural sources, terracotta, water hyacinth, palm leave, wood, silk yarn, jute, cotton yarn and rickshaw art. Everything has been specially design for the show.

We need to catch sustainable national and the International market, where all the hard work of the weavers will be valued. This will be possible when we showcase the rich history and tradition of handloom, with our designer creating diversity in colours and style. We do have a long history of vibrant colours and weaves, woven with completely natural fibre and we do need the world to see that.
My collection dedicated to our incredible weavers and their magical work.

“When people see my collection” Bibi says, “I want them to understand and appreciate all the work and effort that has gone into them. I want to preserve the heritage of my country, foster creativity, provide employment opportunities, empower woman and contribute towards the eradication of poverty. That’s what I am committed to do.” -Bibi

Showing for the first time in an Indian fashion week, Bibi Russell is iconic for her elevation of the gamcha into the world of international haute couture.

Gracing the International ramp in the late 70s and early 80s, she now works to establish a cause that is much closer to her heart: the plight of the hand woven textile industries and its workers in her native Bangladesh.

"USP, Mondrian & Library Collections Reflect Passion And Style"

2009-04-05T03:43:00.000-07:00

Westside unveiled its exclusive designer prêt, at the Lakme Fashion Week Fall Winter 2009 at the Hyatt, Mumbai. Internationally acclaimed designers Wendell Rodricks and Narendra Kumar along with Manish Gupta showcased an exquisite Designer Prêt collection that will be available exclusively at Westside during the summer season.

Commenting on the Designer Prêt collection, Ms. Simone Tata, Chairman Emeritus, Trent said, “In our endevour to provide garments that represent latest fashion trends. Wendell Rodricks, Narendra Kumar and Emerging Designer Manish Gupta have put together the designer prêt collection this season. This collection which reflects the passion, style & panache of these designers is available only at Westside at affordable prices”

Wendell Rodricks’ collection is called The Mondrian Minimalist. That as early as 1917, Piet Mondrian had the vision to do geometric abstraction fascinated Wendell. Yves Saint Laurent famously did a collection dedicated to him in the 1960s. YSL passed away last year and Wendell’s collection is a fitting homage to them both - but in his own Indian Minimalist style.

Where Saint Laurent went for colour as is in Mondrian’s paintings, Wendell has distilled it even further. It’s purer and sleeker. The collection is stark - only the 3 primary colours are used other than black & white. Wendell’s collection includes dresses, knitwear, leggings, fitted pants, flowing A-lines.

Moving forward from the previous season, Narendra Kumar continues to design a collection for the discerning working woman along with a range of well crafted evening wear. Inspired by the modern working women, the corporate wear line is called ‘The Library’ and is designed for women in the workplace.

The look is sleek, slim, sharply tailored and the silhouettes are narrow. The overriding theme is more reality rather than fantasy-based. His collection includes formal shirts, dresses, evening wear, blouses, skirts and trousers. The colours used by him are summary and fresh - a change from the strictly formal attire - he has used checks and stripes and colours like grey, beige, white and pastels.

Promising emerging designer, Manish Gupta has been selected by Westside from the previous season of Lakme Fashion Week aspart of the Designer Development Programme. His collection, for those with an eye for detail, is inspired by architectural structure. The USP of Manish’s collections is the three dimensional embroideries and textures done using varied materials and techniques such as tucks, pleats, satin ribbons, cotton tape, dori embroidery and sequins.

The Westside collection for the forthcoming Lakme Fashion Week is a very clean and classic line comprising of dresses and tunics that can be teamed with leggings. Silhouettes have a very global appeal with an Indian sensibility which is reflected in embroideries, done in a very modern way. Coral, ivory and blacks blended together forms a great colour story for the collection.

The Designer Prêt is created to offer the discerning Westside customer a collection that truly matches their taste and is available at unbelievable prices.’ It brings designer wear closer to our customers. This association will allow young designers like Manish Gupta to not just showcase their creativity but also learn the business of fashion.

Westside continues to partner with LFW to sponsor the ‘Emerging Designers’ category this season.

"Gayatri Joshi"

2009-03-22T06:33:00.000-07:00

"Deepika Padukon"

2009-03-22T06:07:00.000-07:00

"Deepal Shaw"

2009-03-22T05:41:00.000-07:00

"Daisy Bopanna"

2009-03-22T05:35:00.000-07:00

"IJS Signature 2009 Inaugurated At Goa"

2009-03-22T05:34:00.000-07:00

The IIJS Signature Goa 2009 was inaugurated at the hands of Shri Digamber Kamat - Chief Minister of Goa, amongst a gathering of distinguished personalities from political and the Indian diamond industry. The event is slated to kick off between February 20-23, 2009 at Panjim, which is the heart of Goa's movers and shakers. Speaker of Goa Assembly –Mr. Pratap Singh Rane was the Guest of Honour.

The 2009 edition of this show is expected to bring in 72 exhibitors ranking as India's most distinguished companies and professionals. One expects the show to be an attraction for the international visitors, as the venue is a strategic tourist place of India, featuring a multi-cultural and contemporary feel. Goa is also a hub for many of India’s renowned fashion designers, which reflects the aura of the city to inspire art and fashion.

At the inaugural occasion, Gem & Jewellery Export Promotion Council Chairman – Mr. Vasant Mehta said that the show expects 600 visitors: 350 domestic, 150 international visitors and 10 delegations from abroad. This could be a motto point to asses the efforts of the global diamond industry in overcoming the economic slump. It would give a good opportunity to initiate dialogue and network for making consolidated efforts.

The Council is indicating that it might host its 2010 edition of the IIJS Signature, also in Goa.

"FICCI’s Workshop On ATA Carnet to Be Held In Mumbai"

2009-03-22T05:33:00.000-07:00

A ‘Workshop on ATA Carnet’ is being organised by Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI) in co-operation with Ministry of Commerce & Industry, Government of India, and is slated to be held on February 26, 2009 at Mayfair Banquets, Worli, Mumbai. The workshop aims at familiarising the industry representatives with operational aspects of using an ATA Carnet. The Carnet holder will also be briefed about his/her Rights and Obligations.

The workshop is being promoted by the organisers as an effective platform for the industry to discuss issues involved in temporary import/export of goods and hence benefit from the deliberations of the session.

The ATA Carnet is an internationally accepted customs document used by members of the exporting community from India, to travel abroad with commercial samples for participating in an exhibition / trade fair, business promotion tour or for a film shoot.

Dr Vaijayanti Pandit, Director of FICCI, said “FICCI has been organising several workshops to create awareness about this important international instrument. In the recent past, such workshops were organised in Vadodara, Chennai & Hyderabad. In continuity with the task of capacity building through spreading general awareness, it has been decided to organise next workshop on ATA Carnet in Mumbai.”

FICCI, as the apex chamber, is the National Issuing and Guaranteeing Association (NIGA) for issuing and guaranteeing ATA Carnets in India.

"IIGJ R&D centre inaugurated in Jaipur"

2009-03-22T05:13:00.000-07:00

In an effort to honour the contribution of late Shri Rashmikant Durlabhji at IIGJ, Jaipur, the Jaipur Jewellery Show (JJS) inaugurated the JJS R&D center at the hands of Mr. Vasant Mehta, Chairman GJEPC, on 14 March, 2009, at the premises of IIGJ Jaipur.

IIGJ is an education institute established under the umberella of GJEPC, to support the gem and jewellery trade through providing training for professionals. Jaipur has been popular as the gemstone hub, but was found being left behind by other countries in terms of technology education in this industry. To promote this, the organisers of the Jaipur Jewellery Show contributed finance to the development of the IIGJ Jaipur R & D center. Profits of the Show would be utilised in bettering the Jaipur gemstone industry. Initially, the process of heat treatment in Rubies and Sapphires would be introduced, and the R&D centre is expected to begin the process for the local traders within the coming three to four months.

The inauguration event was attended by the leading jewellers of Jaipur - Vivek kala - President Jaipur Jewellers Association , Pramod Agarwal, Vimal Chand Surana - Chairman JJS , Rajiv Jain – Vice-Chairman GJEPC & IIGJ Jaipur , Vijay Chordia - Hon. Secretary IIGJ Jaipur, Navrattan Kothari - Chairman IIGJ Jaipur , Kishan Das Maheshwari and such. The event inspired some knowledge sharing, keeping in mind that it was attended by the leaders of the Indian gem and jewellery industry. Navrattan Kothari and Vasant Mehta in their speeches, appealed to the local jewellers to come forward and support the IIGJ Jaipur Institute in its development to become a major education hub in the region.

The R&D centre will contribute to placing Jaipur on a competing platform with Thailand in the global gemstone industry.

"INDIA: Turtle Launches Its Spring- Summer Collection’09."

2009-03-13T02:22:00.000-07:00

Turtle, one of the leading men’s wear apparel brand, has recently launched its Spring-Summer Collection 09. The collection, styled at the fashion studio in Milan, draws its unique inspiration from the Light & Dark side of the life. For the first time, “A Dark & Light Collection” is being launched as part of the spring – summer collection. This unique blend of light and dark is sure to light up the hearts of those who want to experience this refreshing look. The Spring- Summer Collection is available in the colors such as white, beige, ivory, tan, lemon, peach, lavender, mint, powder pink, powder blue, wine, olive, chestnut brown, teal, charcoal, navy & black. The product lines in the collection are tailored, relaxed, rare, luxury shirts and relaxed and tailored trousers. The price range of the collection starts from Rs. 595 and goes up to Rs. 1,495. On the launch of the Spring- Summer Collection 09, Mr Amit Ladsaria, Director, Turtle Ltd said “The Spring- Summer Collection 09 is targeted at those who are ready to experiment with new and different ideas. The Indian consumers have become quite fashion conscious and are ready to experiment. Turtle is ready to cater to the needs of these consumers.” Tailored with the finest fabric, a touch of international styling and an overall commitment to create the best is what makes the collection truly and deeply worth the experience that it promises. This collection will surely be a must have in the men’s wardrobe this season. About Turtle In 380 cities across the country, people have discovered Turtle. From modest beginnings, it is now a brand to be experienced at 32 Exclusive Turtle World stores and about 9000 other leading outlets including Brand Factory, Central, Globus, Indiabulls Megastore, Pantaloons & Shopper’s Stop. Starting with exports to Dubai, Bahrain, Kuwait & Fiji Islands, Turtle has carved a niche in the overseas markets, for itself very quickly. Turtle’s vision is to provide global style to individuals. Turtle offers four product lines as per the consumer’s need. These lines are Tailored - the formal line, Relaxed – the casual wear, Luxury – the evening wear & Rare – the super premium formals. Turtle also offers a range of ties, cufflinks, wallets, belts, socks, inner wear & handkerchiefs. As any good corporate citizen, Turtle has a responsibility to the society, which they fulfill through courage, ingenuity, vision & professional service of the highest standard. Turtle plays an important role in saving the turtles in Orissa & Gujarat. Every time one buys a Turtle product, a part of the sale proceed is used to fund projects for conservation of freshwater & marine turtles. Turtle has partnered with Wildlife Society of Orissa and WWF India for the same.

"INDIA: Designers Participating at the Delhi Fashion Week Autumn Winter 2009."

2009-03-13T02:15:00.000-07:00

If March is the month of fashion, Delhi Fashion Week is the platform for designers to showcase their prowess in design and talent… The much awaited list of designers who will be showcasing their latest fall winter collections at this premier fashion event was announced. With its befitting location at the country’s foremost luxury destination, Emporio, the Delhi Fashion Week will continue from the 19th of March 2009 until the 24th of March 2009.

This latest edition of the Delhi Fashion Week witnessed a significant increase in applicants, after the astounding success of its first edition. The enthused officials were propelled to increase the number of designers at the Delhi Fashion Week portfolio for this season. The discerning selection process accommodated only those with distinctive vision and inspired finesse - thus resulting in a mix of designers traversing young talents and established designers.

Speaking on the occasion Sumeet Nair, head of the Delhi Fashion Week said, “The biggest challenge that any order faces is to constantly compete with its own past and produce something better. The last edition of Delhi Fashion Week won accolades for sheer selection of talent and presentation. Keeping our commitment to present only the best, Delhi Fashion Week once again has selected the most creative designers to show their Autumn Winter collection.”

Augmenting the brimming talent and high end fashion setting, international stylists along with Jan Malan and his team of show producers from South Africa will be generously supplying their creative savoir faire at the Delhi Fashion Week. The focus is once again to make the event buyer and media centric so that there is free flow of information that facilitates long term business relationships.

Delhi Fashion Week is committed to establishing India and its capital as the authentic fashion destination, acclaimed across the world. The Fashion Foundation of India presents its next edition, abiding by their conviction for the global growth and development of the India Fashion and design industry.

Rohit Bal , the designer showing at the Delhi Fashion Week says, ‘The reason that I am showing at the Delhi Fashion Week is because I find Delhi Fashion Week extremely progressive and the production quality of the event is comparable to any international Fashion Week! The designers are selected on merit and the standard of creativity is at its best. There is little room for any internal disputes since it is a collection of like minded creative designers with a sole purpose of putting together a great event and move forward and concentrate on business of fashion. Above all I share a great relationship with Sumeet Nair and there is a comfort level which is most important part of any creative endeavor.’

Abhi & Rahul participating designers said, ‘We believe that Delhi Fashion Week is the only platform where the young talent can really nurture, our collection is a journey which take you from the war to the glamour world.’

Alpana & Neeraj said, ' The last season at the Delhi Fashion Week was great. I am looking forward to showcasing my fall winter line at the upcoming Autumn Winter edition.'

Atsu added, 'For the fall I will be presenting an exclusive line of dressy sharp tailoring in luxurious fabric at the Delhi Fashion Week.'

Rahul Reddy said, ' I think the upcoming edition of the Delhi Fashion Week will be as creative as the last one. We have worked on our Autumn Winter collection and are ready to showcase it.'

Vineet Bahl said, ‘Delhi Fashion Week is a very fair platform which believes in giving equal opportunity to established and young designers like me. As far as my Autumn Winter collection goes, it will have my signature look of chic and easy glamour.’

Hemant Sagar added, ‘We believe the FFI is the right organization for Lecoanet Hemant and are very happy to be associated to this dynamic organization that cares for its members even outside Fashion Week.’

The official list of designers to be showcasing at the Delhi Fashion Week Autumn Winter 2009 comprises of:-

* 11.11 by Celldsgn
* Abhirahul for Studio 11
* Alecca Carrano
* Alpana & Neeraj
* Amber Firoze
* Amrita Hans – Elements of Desire
* Atsu
* Basta
* Cherie D
* Dozakh by Kartikeya & Isha
* Ekta Singh
* Gunit Kaur
* House of Three
* Julie Skarland
* Kotwara by Meera & Muzaffar Ali
* Lecoanet Hemant
* Malini Ramani
* Meera Mahadevia
* Nakul Sen
* Nivedita - Swarup
* Ovations
* Pashma
* Preeti Chandra
* Rahul Reddy
* REVE by Khushali Kumar
* RISA Abhijeet Khanna
* Rohit Bal
* Sandeep & Gaurav
* Savio Jon
* Sita De Vesci
* Smallshop Jason Anshu
* Surbhi Chawla
* Swati Modo
* Tarun Tahiliani
* Vanilla Moon
* Vineet Bahl
* Yasmine Designs

"LERROS India's Spring Summer '09 Collection: The New Dimension."

2009-03-13T02:11:00.000-07:00

LERROS India , popular German apparel brand, famous for their wide trend-setting range of designs, has launched its second edition of Spring Summer 2009 collection. The collection is made up of a mix of sport, street and vintage styling, this time sprinkled with soft saturated hues that really strain the limits of cool!

LERROS’s Spring/Summer 2009 collection will retail from Rs. 799 onwards. Under the summer sun or in the water LERROS thinks big and multiplies ideas, decorations, colours, matching schemes, accessories. Riding the wave of new trends, the collection makes Outdoor Clothes
fans happy, with proposals ranging from beachwear shorts for Men to linen tops for Women.

“The growing popularity of one-piece floral dresses for women is matched by men's fondness for close-fitting shorts which, when they want to really exaggerate, lengthen into Bermudas, says Mr. S Ramprasad, CEO LERROS INDIA. Men's designs borrow freely from the women's rich pattern palette and offer a more macho version of the plain-coloured tennis theme and the maxi and micro pattern. New for the men's collection are the Linen H/S shirts, printed T-shirts on surfing-style coloured backgrounds...”

The extension of Spring Summer ’09 for the month of April includes a range of key shapes for the season, made from organic linen and cotton fibres. An array of Whites, Greys and denim blues portrayed a clean, fresh feel for the imminent summer season. The Bright Floral colors will accentuate the freshness of the season and will be the highlight in all the garments.

Ruffle edged details and soft layers add a feminine touch. And finally for those humid summer evenings ahead the Spotlight Range comprised of opulent evening dresses in delicate fabrics which gave a soft, chic feel. Bright color dresses combined gathered sides with ruffles and will be a must have for the season.

Shorts are key to this trend and are offered in patchwork, bold colored checks and loud printed beach and board styles. The palette is softened with the introduction of washed bright adding a mature and vintage feel to this statement trend. Cut and sew detailing adds interest to jersey and outerwear pieces alike. At last, those who prefer the LERROS casual fashion style can enjoy it all year round.

"Brinda Parekh"

2009-03-13T01:59:00.001-07:00

"Bhairavi Goswami"

2009-03-13T01:57:00.001-07:00

"Arti Chhabria"

2009-03-05T19:07:00.000-08:00

"Anupam Barma"

2009-03-05T19:03:00.000-08:00

"Model Auditions For Wills Lifestyle India Fashion Week"

2009-03-05T12:29:00.000-08:00

The Wills Lifestyle India Fashion Week (WIFW) announced the new dates and venue for the 13th edition of the Wills Lifestyle India Fashion Week Autumn/Winter 2009. WIFW will be hosted at the Intercontinental Eros, Nehru Place, New Delhi from the 18th – 23rd of March, 2009.

WIFW also began the hunt for the New Faces Going Places – ramp scorchers, who will help enhance and bring the vision of all WIFW participating designers to life. The Wills Lifestyle India Fashion Week is known for being a hotbed of emerging and established design talent converting the runway and exhibition area into business destinations for Indian fashion designers.

Announcing the new dates and venue for the Wills Lifestyle India Fashion Autumn Winter 2009 edition, Sunil Sethi, President, FDCI, said, “The Wills Lifestyle India Fashion Week has established itself as a leading business of fashion event and has strived to create a platform for designers and models that are established and those that are emerging. WIFW will be held from the 18th – 23rd of March at the Intercontinental Eros. The dates for WIFW have been brought forward in accordance with the convenience of buyers, sponsors and the availability of the new 5-star venue.”

He further added, “WIFW is a well recognized platform for young models to showcase their talent. It is key for models to blend in with the mood of the collection and thereby enhance every aspect of a designers vision. Models walking the Wills Lifestyle India Fashion Week runway will be both established names as well as the faces of tomorrow. I wish all the participants the very best of luck.”

Atul Chand, Divisional Chief Executive, ITC’s Lifestyle Retailing, said, "The Wills Lifestyle India Fashion Week is the country's most prestigious and celebrated fashion event. It has been a great platform to recognise and nurture fresh talent. We are delighted at the overwhelming response to the model auditions and I am sure the new faces discovered will go places. We look forward to another exciting and spectacular edition of Wills Lifestyle India Fashion Week."

The Jury members for the model auditions would consist of:
Aparna Bahl
Ashish Soni
Ayesha Thapar
Rahul Khanna
Tinu Verghese
Varun Bahl
Vidyun Singh

"Anmol Jewellers Launches New Carnal Collection"

2009-03-05T12:04:00.000-08:00

Anmol Jewellers, a prominent jewellery retailer in India, has extended the creative envelope in its latest diamond jewellery collection. The collection is inspired by the raw, sensual and graceful carnal instincts, with jewellery motifs crafted in characteristic expressions of the wild life.

Founders and brand custodians of Anmol Jewellers, Ishu and Sunil Datwani have made efforts to make this collection nothing short of a masterpiece. "Anmol Jewellers are renowned for their style, trend setting designs and fine craftsmanship for over two decades now. This collection by the jewellery house is an appropriate medium to translate and present the message that fashion and design in diamond jewellery are here to mesmerise with their eternal glitter!”

The collection will be retailed at the reatiler’s outfit in Mumbai and New Delhi. The retailer has over its 23 years earned the repute of being recognised for its traditional quality and a continuous desire to create and to innovate.

"Tanishq Launches Zoya Stores In Delhi And Mumbai"

2009-03-05T12:01:00.000-08:00

Zoya is the new retail format launched by Tanishq, in Delhi and Mumbai, and is categorised as both a product and a retail brand. It caters to the discerning Indian woman, providing her with a supreme expression of luxury in jewellery, which enthuse the fashion conscious and classic jewellery lovers alike. Tanishq, the jewellery retail giant, has been conscious to offer a unique and memorable shopping experience at each Zoya store.

Speaking about the launch of Zoya, Mr. C.K. Venkatraman, COO-Tanishq shared, "The launch of Zoya is just the beginning of a wave of strategic decisions to offer premium differentials and experiences to our customers while retaining the promise of quality from Tanishq. I am confident that Zoya will meet the needs of all jewellery connoisseurs that would like a contemporary jewellery and demand outstanding design and innovation." The first Zoya store opened in GK II, M Block Delhi over almost 2500 sq feet, with the next one to launch at Warden Road in Mumbai. These outlets redefine 'luxury' to suit the varied tastes & preferences of the Indian consumer. The ambience reflects tones of minimalism, classic & chic. A palette of orange & champagne with a hint of mushroom, add colour to the interiors, while the private spaces are defined for customers to have personal interactions with jewellery designers.

The designs for collections at Zoya have been created by award winning designers, allowing for each piece to be unique, crafted with the finest diamonds, hand picked precious stones and gold. The jewellery features diamond, Kundan/ Polki jewellery pieces and is crafted with only real precious stones. Tanishq Design Studio has created a range of international collections which are distinctive and are inspired from a compelling story. These include the exotic Spanish range- Espana, fashionable ranges- Rain, Lotus and Zen, apart from the Tanishq US collection and from traditional Indian jewellery from lyrical Rajasthan and Classic European Diamonds. The Espana Collection reflects the brilliant craftsmanship of the Zoya designers; only the finest and brilliant diamonds are selected for an alluring and international finish for the range inspired by heritage and culture of Spain and are ideal for wearing and gifting.

According to Sangeeta Dewan, Design Head, Tanishq, "For Zoya we have tastefully made use of diamonds with precious stones like Rubies, Blue Sapphires, Emeralds and Tanzanites adding to its overall and wonderful appeal. Each design exudes a feeling of exclusivity, sophistication and class, adorning the person in a graceful and brilliant manner. Zoya diamond jewellery has something to satisfy every woman's individual taste. We believe that Zoya will captivate and enthrall our customers with its delicate beauty and classic style and offer the benefit of any modification or customisation."

"The IIJS Signature Goa 2009 Was Inaugurated At The Hands Of Shri Digamber Kamat"

2009-03-05T12:00:00.000-08:00

"FICCI’s Workshop On ATA Carnet To Be Held In Mumbai"

2009-03-05T11:53:00.000-08:00

"Hong Kong Fair To Be The Biggest In 27 Years "

2009-03-05T11:24:00.000-08:00

The organisers of the 2009 September Hong Kong Jewelllery & Gem Fair are preparing the show to be the biggest showcasing of the trade event in its history of 27years. The scale of bookings have reportedly increased by 25 percent, as existing exhibitors have reserved bigger exhibition stands, making use of the new halls, and many new selected exhibitors are joining the Fair, considering the event is offering more space than last year.

In the backdrop of the economic slowdown, the trade event is offering more potential opportunities to the world's jewellery trade to reach out to the potential buyers. The change that can be observed in this year’s HK Fair is the sectorisation of products into the two venues, so that loose diamonds, gems, and pearls are in AsiaWorld-Expo (AWE) and finished fine jewellery exhibitors are in the Hong Kong Convention & Exhibition Centre (HKCEC). This has received good response from the exhibitors. The exhibition space expands from four halls to over six halls of AsiaWorld-Expo. The scale is up 50 percent compared to 2008. As for the Hong Kong Convention & Exhibition Centre (finished fine jewellery), in 2008, the Fair occupied all the main exhibition halls, concourses, atriums and main meeting rooms of this Centre spanning over 60,000 square metres of exhibition space. In 2009, the Fair will also occupy the expanded part of the Hong Kong Convention & Exhibition Centre, boosting the exhibition space of the September Fair to 75,000 square metres.

The Fair is attracting exhibitors and visitors with clearly defined highlights including: - the Hong Kong Premier Pavilion where 40 of Hong Kong's leading jewellery firms will present branded jewellery; -The biggest-ever Diamond Pavilion in Asia located at AWE and will consist of 350 exhibitors showcasing fine cut and polished diamonds; -the Fine Gem Pavilion, which will be a new pavilion in the September Fair located at AWE- showcasing the finest gemstones, diamonds and pearls, -International Premier Pavilion- which will be a new feature of the September Fair located at the HKCEC with more than 30 global exhibitors presenting jewellery of their respective cultural styles and characteristics; -the biggest-ever Thailand Pavilion with Thai manufacturers and traders of both gemstones and jewellery.