In order to bring Philippine products closer to their buyers, the Center for International Trade Expositions and Missions (Citem), the export marketing arm of the Philippine Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), brought Fashion Philippines to Fashion Access Hong Kong 2013 last Sept. 25-27 at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Center.

Fashion Philippines, said Citem, sought to showcase the Philippines’ artisanal skills that merge age-old craft work with modern techniques to produce distinct designs and products.

The Philippine participation in Hong Kong featured Manila Wear, a group of select Filipino fashion designers developing new and refreshing takes on apparel and accessories using indigenous materials.

“This maiden Philippine participation in Fashion Access aims to reestablish the country as a top-of-mind destination for quality fashion pieces,” said says Citem executive director Rosvi C. Gaetos.

Manila Wear designers included Amina Aranaz-Alunan, Adante Leyesa, Dennis Lustico, Arnel Papa, Anne Saguil and Ken Samudio.

Their designs, said Gaetos, reflect “the Filipino’s attention to intricate detailing and exceptional handiwork,”

With the slogan “Fashion from head to toe,” Fashion Access featured high-quality bags, footwear, leather goods, fashion accessories, travelware and leather garments supported by various displays of colors, fabrics, design trends for upcoming seasons of spring-summer and autumn-winter.

Through Fashion Access, the Philippines can expand its market for fashion accessories, said Philippine trade officials.

In 2012, Asia became the Philippines’ top trading partner for fashion accessories with trade amounting to $206 million or 34.39 percent of the total Philippine accessories exports.

The Philippines and Hong Kong have enjoyed robust trade relations over the years. Hong Kong accounted for 9.6 percent of the country’s total exports last year, making it the Philippines’ fifth largest trading partner.

Visit www.citem.gov.ph.