The October 2003 edition of the Asia Pacific Leather Fair has received a significant boost with an influx of new and established brand names in footwear and leathergoods exhibiting for the first time.

The Asian market has become more mature over the last few years and buyers tend to choose quality products from different manufacturers and marketers.  One Asian success story is C&R, showing the new fashion line by Hollywood martial arts supremo Jackie Chan.  Jackie, developed the first and foremost lifestyle brand under his own name. APLF 2003 will be the first opportunity to view the fashion accessories designed by Jackie Chan himself.  His branded products include footwear, bags and accessories.

Hong Kong companies also show a strong presence in the fair.  From the footwear sector are Hong-Tech Footwear Co., In Concept Ltd. and Left & Right Ltd.  A-Plus Enterprises Co. Ltd., Pai Cheng Bags Co. Ltd. and Poly Base Enterprises Ltd. will show sports bags.  Mandarin Fur Ltd. is the unique firm bringing fur garments.   

Some leading companies from Cebu, the Philippines, including Avatar Accessories, Faces Worldwide Fashion International, Ferimar Import Export and Jimcastler International, will exhibit in APLF bringing their highly popular handbags.

Other well known international brand names exhibiting include Bass of USA, Thierry Rabotin of Switzerland and Giossardi of Malaysia.

Exhibitors from Spain who are highly familiar with the Asian market will participate in APLF 2003 October in the Top Style section. 

The brand message will be further supported at APLF by a seminar on ¡§Brand Building in Mainland China¡¨ presented by Hong Kong-based fashion retailer Moiselle. Additionally, a seminar on ¡§Franchising and Retailing in Mainland China¡¨ will be presented by Dr Wong, Principal Consultant of The American Consultants League SCAP Westerminster Associate Company.  Last but not least, there will be the indispensable Fashion Trend Forecast seminar, always a full house, by Ms Mary Yan Yan Chan of Peclers Paris StyleCentral Ltd. 

Visitors will find a wide variety of exhibits including raw materials (hides and skins, semi-processed and finished leathers), man-made shoe upper materials and components for footwear and leathergoods in the Raw Materials and Manufacturing sector in APLF.  Exhibitors come from Australia, China, Finland, France, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Italy, Macau, South Africa, Taiwan and USA. 

Buyers can plan their visit in advance by pre-arranging appointments online with exhibitors a few weeks before the show.