Place your Advertisement in TaFf Members Directory 2008/2009 Target release date: January 2009   Printed every 2 years, TaFf members directory provides a detailed listing of all members and their products and services, providing an useful source of business information and leads to local and foreign businesses. Locally the directories are distributed to members, non members in the trade and other related businesses, government agencies, buying and trade offices, foreign embassies and so on. On top of these, copies are also distributed directly to the hands of overseas trade associations, department stores buyers, trade offices and related establishments etc. Foreign businesses can also access to the directories in over 30 IE Singapore’s overseas representative offices located worldwide. Book your advertisement today and enjoy early birds discounts of 10% before 14 September 2008. Existing Members receive an additional 25% discount For more information, contact TaFf Secretariat at admin@taff.org.sg or Tel: (65) 67358390, Fax: (65) 67358409. Click here Advertisement Booking Form ___________________________________________________________________________________   Mission To Japan 16 to 24 October 2008 A mission to Japan will be organized for Singapore fashion designers and brand owners with the objectives to gain as much knowledge and information of this lucrative market through workshop and retail studies as well as to showcase designers’ collections on the catwalk to potential buyers thus creating the business opportunities to export to Japan. The mission will also provide participating companies a chance to source from raw materials vendors from Japan. The mission includes the following programme: • Show participation at Asia Collection in Tokyo • Showcase collections at Ambiance Exhibition • A workshop to give an overview of the Japan retail market and various aspects of doing business in Japan • Sourcing on suppliers for fabrics, trims and accessories • Retail visits which would be relevant to the participating designers as well as to visit important stores, boutiques and shopping areas Interested participants, please contact Ms Sherrine Goh at sherrinegoh@taff.org.sg or Tel 6735 8390 for more details. ___________________________________________________________________________________   Study Mission To Paris 3 to 9 September 2008 TaFf is organizing a study mission to Paris for Singapore fashion designers and brand owners with the objectives to gain as much knowledge and information as possible during the mission about the retail and wholesale market in Paris in relation to exporting the collections from Singapore. The mission includes the following programme: • Visit to Fairs - Who’s Next and Prêt à Porter as well as meeting with Fairs’ organisers and study exhibition to evaluate the relevant fair to participate for future seasons • An overview of other Fashion Exhibitions and Fairs and examine the buying patterns of international stores and department stores to evaluate whether the more prestigious shows (Atmosphère, Véndôme Luxury etc) which are later in the season would be better for the group of designers concerned • A workshop to give an overview of the retail market in France and various aspects of doing business in France • A tour to the important stores/boutiques and shopping areas in relation to the group of designers concerned • Meeting buying offices who handle the important US, Middle Eastern and European stores to gather feedback on collections Interested participants, please contact Ms Sherrine Goh at sherrinegoh@taff.org.sg or Tel 6735 8390 for more details. ___________________________________________________________________________________   EXPORTERS SEMINAR - Key legal, Financial and Supply Chain issues in Today’s Cross Border Trading 2 September 2008, 8am-6pm at Grand Hyatt Singapore In today's fast moving economic climate, companies are finding ways and means to improve their business competitiveness.Exporting is one such way. International Enterprise (IE) Singapore is organising an EXPORTERS SEMINAR addressing your export interest and business expansion needs. Click here for more information and registration ____________________________________________________________________________________   Catch the highlights at the 5th Asia Fashion Federation (AFF) Annual Conference, Bangkok (26 to 28 August 2008) Get updated with Asian fashion and lifestyle trends and developments by the expert speakers from Asia at the AFF Seminar on “Today Asian Fashion Lifestyles”. The Seminar covers aspects on: • How to make a successful fashion movement in China, Japan, Korea, Singapore and Thailand • Which mechanism supports or strengthens the fashion industry in the different cultures and different patterns • How to know more about the Asia’s future potential market • Get an idea of how to penetrate your business into the Asia’s neighborhood country through the information of the fashion pattern and lifestyle • Information on unique culture and way of fashion emerging and movement within the Asian country • The example of domestic fashions and lifestyles that became adopted or recognized by the Western fashion • What are the local lifestyles that have been spotted as the world trendiest? And how the Western fashion talked, reported, or modified those lifestyle? Proudly presented by professional speakers: Ms Wu Haiyan from China Professor of Textile and Fashion School, China Academy of Arts, Art Director of Beijing WHY Design Co., Ltd and VP of China Fashion Association Ms Kumiko Takano from Japan Editor of PARCO City Magazine Ms Kim Hae Rhyan from Korea Chief Director of IF Network Inc Mr Mike Wu from Singapore Fashion Director of BY3 Design Mr Kullawit Laosooksri from Thailand Editor-In-Chief of ELLE Thailand Magazine Get inspired by the works of Asian emerging Young Designers at the AFF Young Fashion Designers Fashion Show Mr Ben Wu from Singapore   Profile: An interior designer-turned-fashion-designer. His collections are characterised by his graphic, linear styles inspired by architectural and industrial elements, new engineered cutting techniques and the creative treatment of fabric. Employing structural sense and organic details into typical tailoring, Ben's collections feature a contrast of forms, and create a sense of futurism. Collection Name: Motion of Moment Inspiration: Body at rest in equilibrium, as it moves through stillness. It emits forces of pressure to capture the power of motion, to feel the stillness move in this moment. Press Release 2008 Debut of Benwu the premium label Mr Qi Gang from China Profile: Staring his career as designer in 1994. Now his collection has been presented successively in China Fashion Week and on red carpet of French Canne Movie Festival. Theme: Fragrance Inspiration: All birds singing, flowers bring the fragrance. This collection is the combination of haute couture with birds and flowers Mr Daichi Shiraki from Japan Profile: Born in Kobe. He has a father running a draper's, and grew up in a family being engaged in fashion business and show business. He is working extensively in the field of apparel and graphic design after graduated the design academy. He has established a company “MERCURY Co., Ltd.” and created a brand “BOISNONVERNI”. His brand concept is to be real clothes and to keep having a visionary sensibility with imagination and creation. Collection Name: About an Artisan Theme: About an Artisan Inspiration: Collection of homage for artisan craftsman who loved John Lennon Mr Park Byung Kyu from Korea Profile: 6 years experience as chief designer of How and What Co., Ltd. Collection Name: Ultra Modern Theme: 1. cold as ice 2. re-move Inspiration: Feminine with remarkable touches, the re-interpreted new version of new age music of the 80’s gives us powerful impression and its motif appeals to the pursuit for modernity. Mr Ben Wu from Singapore Profile: An interior designer-turned-fashion-designer. His collections are characterized by his graphic, linear styles inspired by architectural and industrial elements, new engineered cutting techniques and the creative treatment of fabric. Employing structural sense and organic details into typical tailoring, Ben's collections feature a contrast of forms, and create a sense of futurism. Collection Name: Motion of Moment Inspiration: Body at rest in equilibrium, as it moves through stillness. It emits forces of pressure to capture the power of motion, to feel the stillness move in this moment. Ms Warinlada Limcharoenpornchai from Thailand Profile: A brand new graduated textile technology student with 2nd honour degree. Warinlada won Saha Group Bangkok Young Designer Awards 2008 under the concept Make it trend : Inspired by BANGKOK together with The Best Sewing Award 2008. Now, she is now brand manager of kid’s wear. Collection Name: Thai is Thai Theme: 1. customization 2. thainess+moderness 3. paper doll Inspiration: Paper Doll - New Wearing Click here for more information Click here for Annex 1 Click here for Annex 2 _________________________________________________________________________   nicholas - NEW FLAGSHIP STORE AT MARINA SQUARE #02-323 nicholas has moved to an exciting space at marina square in August 2008. Join in the celebration by becoming their VIP with only S$350 spent in a single receipt* (usual S$500) VIP privileges: - enjoy 10% discount on your purchase (except all sales / promotional items) over a 12-month period - receive a special voucher during the month of your birthday - enjoy seasonal member's only promotions - receive exclusive invites to NICHOLAS events - be the first to know the latest NICHOLAS news and updates *terms & conditions: - valid till 5 September 2008. - mention this e-mail before making payment. - amount is nett after any discounts. contacts +65 6337 3726 www.nicholasnic.com opening hours: sunday - thursday 11am - 9pm friday - saturday 11am - 10pm __________________________________________________________________________   New industry brand to boost competitiveness of Singapore’s apparel manufacturers globally Launch of Apparel Singapore as a collective brand representing one industry voice that aims to be heard by international buyers in global market With the support from International Enterprise (IE) Singapore and SPRING Singapore, TaFf announced the launch of Apparel Singapore on 16 July 2008 – the industry’s first ever brand that reflects a strategic and unique global marketing collaboration by a group of leading Singapore apparel manufacturers. The landmark occasion was graced by Minister for Trade and Industry, Mr Lim Hng Kiang, who delivered a keynote address and unveiled the brand logo at the official launch event. click here to read Mr. Lim’s speech The member companies (also known as Brand Ambassadors) that make up Apparel Singapore are established manufacturers in the industry, with proven track records and a strong clientele base. These Brand Ambassadors own and manage multiple production locations in close to 20 countries across regions, whilst consistently delivering the desired value, trust and quality in products that are “made” or “managed” by Singapore. The launch of Apparel Singapore is expected to boost the already long- standing and successful Singapore apparel industry by promoting the manufacturing services, competitiveness, capabilities and offerings of Singapore’s apparel manufacturers to international buyers around the world. A key contributor to the growth of Singapore’s economy, Singapore-based apparel manufacturers registered a combined manufacturing output of about S$6 billion in 2007 and they aim to grow their output by 15% in five years’ time. During his keynote speech, Minister Lim said, “With the elimination of global export quotas, international buyers are now placing even stricter demands on apparel manufacturers in terms of price, quality and delivery time. Global competition in apparel sourcing will intensify. Hence, it is important for us not only to continually upgrade our capabilities, but also to regularly cultivate our existing and potential trading partners in the global arena so that they will have a better appreciation of our apparel manufacturers’ strengths and capabilities.” “Spearheaded by TaFf and supported by SPRING Singapore and IE Singapore, the launch of Apparel Singapore marks a major milestone for the industry. It not only unites the companies that qualify as brand ambassadors, but also serves as a standard that other companies could aspire to,” added Minister Lim. “The best kept secret of the apparel industry is that our manufacturers are already well-established and have been producing clothes for several of the largest and most reputable global brand names out there,” said Mr Benny Pua, President of TaFf. “The key to their success is the ‘Managed by Singapore’ trademark, delivering results with international standards and quality, while abiding to strict social and environmental compliances.” The launch of Apparel Singapore as a collective brand will build a stronger recognition for these players and enhance the growth of the apparel industry. Mr Pua added, “This initiative goes beyond just having a brand out there. It is a united effort that will set the stage for Singapore’s industry competitiveness, talent, innovation and scalability in apparel manufacturing, and ultimately grow Singapore’s share of the world apparel manufacturing business. Overall, we are extremely excited about this launch as we keenly look forward to the extended global footprints that we hope to accomplish with Apparel Singapore.” Apparel Singapore brand ambassadors will work closely with the clients to achieve shared goals and aspirations and to deliver the seal of trust. Due to the nature of the industry where counterfeiting is a constant challenge, members of Apparel Singapore are committed to upholding the clients’ business integrity and reliability by protecting the clients’ intellectual property rights, thus helping clients to maintain their reputation, create more business opportunities, sustain profitability and mitigate brand risks. Currently, member companies that make up Apparel Singapore include Asia Garment Manufacturer Pte Ltd, Bodynits International Pte Ltd, Clovertex Pte Ltd, Ghim Li Global Pte. Ltd., Gimmill Industrial Pte Ltd, Lee Yin Knitting Factory Pte Ltd, Ocean Sky International Limited, SL Global Pte Ltd and Teo Garments Corporation Pte Ltd. Collectively, the players are behind several global brand names including internationally renowned brands like Gap Inc, Liz Claiborne, Esprit, Walt Disney, Nike, Adidas, and Macy’s, just to name a few. These brand names have a strong reputation for excellence and quality. “At Macy’s, we are glad that we’ve been able to rely on our Singapore partners throughout the buying process, from design concept to product development and distribution. I think what buyers also look for are customised services and uncompromised quality. The manufacturers we work with have manufacturing bases with good geographical spread, and that truly reduces our worries with regard to getting fast support and minimizing our trade barrier risks,” said a General Manager, Elaine Pang, Macy’s Merchandising Group (Singapore Branch). She added, “I think Apparel Singapore will be a great showcase of the collective strengths of the industry. The country has a stable political environment, great infrastructure connectedness, skilled workforce, strategic geographical location and a pro-business environment. All this will give Apparel Singapore an edge to offer tremendous advantages to the global buyers.” For more information about Apparel Singapore, please visit www.apparelsingapore.com. ________________________________________________________________________   After 20 years of glitz, Textile & Fashion Federation (Singapore) TaFf is currently reviewing the format of Singapore Fashion Week (SFW) to further enhance the interests of the participants and the growth of the Singapore fashion industry. SFW is postponed to 2009 and the date will be announced soon. TaFf would like to take this opportunity to thank all designers, partners, schools, sponsors, government agencies and the industry members for their invaluable and continuous support in the development of Singapore’s fashion industry. For further enquiries on SFW, please feel free to contact Sherrine Goh at sherrinegoh@taff.org.sg _________________________________________________________________________   SURVEY REPORT ON THE TEXTILE & APPAREL INDUSTRY IN SINGAPORE Do you wish to understand more about the current operation base? Or are you looking for alternative operating bases for the future? Understand the challenges of Singapore Textile &Garment industry through this survey report. Find out more about the opportunities and threats of the industry and our multiplier impact on supporting industries such as banking and logistics. Get your copy of this informative 64 pages survey report by emailing to Antonia at antonia@taff.org.sg TaFf members: S$100 Non-member (Same Industry): S$300 Non-member (Different Industry): S$1000 Click here for order form _________________________________________________________________________   Meeting Room for rental TaFf's meeting room is available for rent at S$50 (members) S$100(non-members) *rental rates are applicable for 1 session only (morning 9am-12pm or afternoon 2-5pm) **Stationery, Whiteboard, Coffee & Tea are available in the meeting room For more enquiries, please contact Antonia at 67358390.