Dubai set to host second international high-end fashion trade fair

Taking place at the Dubai World Trade Centre from October 11 to 13, Prestige. will provide an opportunity for buyers from the Gulf, Iran, Middle East and Central Asia to see and speak with leading international fashion houses and designers. With a 90 per cent growth in floor space and exhibiting brands, more than 150 reputed designer and character brands names have confirmed displaying womenswear, menswear and childrenswear; lingerie; swim and beachwear; women’s, men’s and children’s footwear and leather accessories.

Ingo Klöver, Managing Director of planetfair, Hamburg, said, “The first Prestige. fair held in February 2004 yielded a great response with influential trade buyers from around the region visiting. Based on feedback and the quality of exhibitors already confirmed for the second edition, we expect up to attract 3,000 qualified professional visitors.”

“The growth in the regional retail sector and increased demand for high fashion and luxury goods clearly expresses that the market potential is limitless. The exhibitors have also recognised this as we have witnesses 70 per cent of exhibitors from the first fair re-booking for this one,” added Klöver.

Germany and Italy will take the lead in presenting official country pavilions sponsored by different government authorities and national industry associations. Additionally, exhibitors from a further nine countries, including Austria, Canada, Finland, France, Greek, Latvia, Spain, Turkey, U.A.E. and USA, are participating in Prestige.

Buyers from approximately 23 countries will have the opportunity to witness collections designed for the discerning retailer and customer. The individualised Spring/Summer 2005 season fashions will span throughout the fairs 4,000 square meters.

“We see Prestige. Dubai giving the buyer a unique opportunity to interact with key European and international industry brand names. Additionally, with the number of new shopping malls and retail outlets currently being built, Prestige. has the opportunity to exhibit brands to an audience committed to bringing the region to the forefront of fashion,” said Reinhard E. Döpfer, Managing Director of the European Fashion and Textile Export Council (EFTEC), Brussels, official sponsor of Prestige.

“Reports express that the fashion sector remains very buoyant in the Gulf with the continuation of high occupancy growth levels greatly contributing. A factor ideally suited to the promotion and sales of fashion to trade buyers and consumers alike,” added Döpfer.

Besides various fashion associations, key partners for the 2nd International Prestige. trade fair include American Express, Dubai Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DCCI), fashion magazine ‘Class’ and Fast Rent-A-Car.

The fair will run from 9am to 1pm and then from 5pm to 9pm on the 11, 12 and 13 October in the Dubai World Trade Centre.