Inundated with orders, the group of Hong Kong designers at last May's Mercedes Australian Fashion Week have their potential and goals realized. The reassuring comments from industry leaders reinforced that "the show must go on" and that Hong Kong's participation will remain a highlight of this international fashion event.

Organized by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council, the promotion at the Australian Fashion Week for Spring 03/04 covered a "Hong Kong Pavilion" at the fairground plus a "Hong Kong Collection" group show. The show featured the spring 04 collections of labels Baboon, Dorian Ho, fait a main, Pacino Wan and Spy. The show drew not only international buyers, but creditable feedback. Mr Albert Morris, Browns of London, has been quoted as saying "Hong Kong designers always produce a strong show" and Ms Yeda Yun (Senior Buyer) said the designers "are more open to the international market. Their presentation is good, especially Pacino Wan, whose collection was unique".

Jenny Bailly from Fashion Wire Daily noted that "attendees stopped by to check out Ho's romantic chiffon creations, patterned with beads, embroidery and sequins. Kuwait's Villa Moda placed a big order the day after his show, and at Sunday night's Logies in Melbourne (Australia's Emmys) several television stars were wearing his gowns."?Leading fashion critic Patty Huntington believed the 'The Hong Kong group show was one of the highlights of the week, with Spy in particular proving a real find. I thought the Hong Kong delegation showed real courage, not only in committing to travel to Sydney at this time but also in daring to use humour and clever marketing to turn a tough situation to their advantage. They were rewarded with unprecedented publicity and ironically it was their most successful Sydney season".

The orders received within the four-day event came from both international as well as Australia, New Zealand buyers. They are from Browns of London, Villa Moda (Kuwait & Dubai), American Rag (California), Bedders (New Zealand), Chetchi, Artwear, Chic Collection (Sydney), to name just a few.???lt;/font>