World Boutique, Hong Kong, to be held for he second time between 13th-16th January 04, will once again provide a platform for designers and brands, both local and overseas, to showcase their talents, their collections. For this upcoming four-day event, a full schedule of runway shows is planned, which will give visiting buyers and journalists a good idea of the region's diverse creativity, capabilities.

A total of 19 fashion shows will be staged and together will feature the works of more than 70 designers and brands, from both the Asian region and beyond. The sizable group of designers and brands comprises those from Hong Kong as well as others from Korea, Taiwan, Malaysia, Indonesia, India, Australia and Canada.

The highlight will be the "Hong Kong Fashion Extravaganza" in the opening party on day one of the fair. Along a "Water World" theme, designers and brands will present their ocean-inspired collections. Also on the opening day will be the annual Hong Kong Young Fashion Designers' Contest. The Contest, first introduced in 1977, has over the years, helped identified an impressive list of creative talents, many of whom are now reputable names in the local and international fashion arena. For the latest Contest, 15 entrants have been selected to present their mini collections before a panel of judges. At the Contest, judges will select "The Ten Best Collections" plus giving out four other prizes: Overall Winner Award, Lectra Award for Best Application of Technology (sponsored by Lectra Hong Kong), HKFDA Award (sponsored by Hong Kong Fashion Designers' Association) and The Fur Prize (sponsored by Saga Fur of Scandinavia).

To further promote up-and-coming designers and labels, Trade Development Council will stage the Hong Kong New Fashion Designer Parade 1 and 2. Participants of the two Parades are either winners of previous fashion contests organized by the TDC or hot young designer labels.