Fashion accessory makers expect 200 global buyers

THE growing global demand for eco-friendly products continues to attract buyers of Philippine fashion accessories made from natural materials.

To continue taking advantage of this market demand, the Fashion Accessories Manufacturers and Exporters (Fame) Foundation Philippines will again hold “Bijoux Cebu,” the annual trade show for Philippine fashion accessories.

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The event, which started in 2008, will be held this Sept. 18 to 20 at Shangri-la’s Mactan Resort and Spa.

Bijoux Cebu is targeting 200 buyers this year, with exhibitors numbering almost 40.

This is about half of all the member exporters of Fame Foundation.

“Forty exhibitors is a big number, seeing that usually only half of that figure join foreign shows abroad,” said Zeny Uy, Bijoux Cebu chairperson.

Collections

The show will feature the exporters’ Spring-Summer 2011 Collections, with a theme that revolves around nature’s four basic elements--earth, wind, fire and water.

“The demand for all types of eco-friendly products has never been greater and this is equally true for fashion accessories,” Uy said.

“While other countries scramble to add eco-friendly products to their current lines, our exporters have the distinct advantage of already using eco-friendly materials derived from our country’s natural resources for the past 30 years,” she added.

Buyers

As part of our industry’s growth, Uy said exporters make and use more green components, like recycled and waste materials, in their accessories.

“We are now building our reputation as Asia’s destination for green jewelry and through Bijoux Cebu, we hope to strengthen it even more,” she added.

The show targets foreign buyers from all over the world, especially those from first-world countries who advocate green living.

As early as June this year, foreign buyers have already been registering to attend the show, the organizers said.

“Only a few exporters can join foreign shows due to the high costs involved. This is why Bijoux Cebu is the better alternative for them, as well as for the buyers who can see more exhibitors and have more products to choose from,” she added.

Attractions

The event will also feature additional attractions, like daily fashion shows, craft demonstrations, design competitions and a gala night for the buyers at the Cebu Provincial Capitol Social Hall.

Aside from the trade show, Fame Foundation will also hold a lifestyle Garden Bazaar at Shangri-la’s gardens. Accommodating 100 exhibitors, this will give foreign buyers and resort guests a unique shopping experience. It is also open to the public.

“Our garden exhibitors will be selling product overruns, fashion accessories, bags, footwear, garments, native crafts and other novelty items,” Uy said.

“These products are normally not available to local markets, yet, for this event, we want to open our doors to the Cebuanos, so that they can also see and appreciate the products of Cebu.

We have also adjusted our prices with them in mind” she said.

The exporters’ show will be open daily from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

The Garden Bazaar will be also be open daily from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Entrance is free.

Organizers will also provide free shuttle services.

The transportation will leave Ayala Center Cebu at 9 a.m. and 2 p.m. daily, while return trips from Shangri-la are at 11 a.m. and 4 p.m. (PR)