Planetfair introduces new fashion and lifestyle brands expo in the Middle East

Held with the support of the Dubai Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DCCI), the exhibition will take place at the Dubai World Trade Centre, Exhibition Hall Two from February 8 to 10.

Ingo Kölver, Managing Director for Planetfair, Germany said, 'The Gulf markets offer a wealth of opportunity for buyers looking for the latest designs from the European market. This is the first time an exhibition of this calibre has been held, and we are very pleased with the response from our exhibitors.'

The showcase of European brands will feature fashion houses from across the European member states, including Spain, France and Turkey as well as country pavilions from Germany and Italy. Exports from those states amounted to more than 289 million Euros from the period of January to June 2003 across the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Kuwait and the Kingdom of Bahrain.

Reinhard E. Döpfer, Managing Director of International Textile and Fashion Marketing Consultancy (ITMM), said: 'With the support of the German Federal Ministry of Economy and Labour, Ente Moda Italia, the Italian fashion export promotion organisation and ANCI, the Italian Footwear Association, we have secured participation from some of Europe's leading fashion and lifestyle houses.'

Sponsored by the European Fashion and Textile Export Council (EFTEC), Prestige, will see some of the world's best known fashion brands, including Givenchy, Calvin Klein, Porsche Design, Lacroix, Krizia, Loewe and Féraud Paris. In addition, Versace Sport will also feature in the exhibition, as the brand is looking to market itself in the Middle East for the first time. All the brands will be showcasing their autumn/winter collections for 2004.

Of the more than 60 exhibitors taking part in the expo, 10 fashion houses will provide catwalk fashion shows of their latest designs to visitors. Speaking of the shows, Ashraf Sharaf, Managing Director for Planetfair Dubai, said: 'Dubai is the perfect city in which to hold such an exhibition. As a true retail market, with fashion conscious and brand aware consumers, we feel that Dubai provides the best possible place in which to showcase these innovative and dynamic brands.'

A number of representatives from key industry associations, export promotion organisations and foreign trade boards will also be present in support of Prestige, such as UK Fashion Exports, Prêt à Porter Paris, the German Textile Association, FICE and Crea Moda.

A number of representatives are scheduled to meet with the Mr. Abdul Rahman G. Al Mutaiwee, Managing Director for the Dubai Chamber of Commerce and Industry and Board Members from the Dubai World Trade Centre. The exhibition will run from 9am to 1pm and then from 5pm to 9pm on the 8, 9 and 10 February.