Posted by
pepaberry
20 yrs ago
Hi there everyone,
Myself and a friend are setting up a clothing business in Hong Kong, selling "western" sizes for the expat market. We are looking at both a men's and a women's clothing range. Both of us being "huge" by Asian standards decided to put our fashion design and business heads together to come up with some comfy, stylish garments to suit all of those who cannot seem to find clothes to fit here in HK. We would love a little feedback if we could....
We are looking at having some parades/showings at local Hotel/sporting clubs possibly as charity events, giving people an oportunity to view the garments. We will be looking at avertising here on Asia Xpat and possibly in HK magazine. We will also have a website, so you can purchase on-line. Would people be interested in coming along to our fashion parades, having a fun night out and seeing some great clothes?? ; would you purchase from a website??
Any suggesstions on what sort of garmnts and styles people would like to see more of??
Any feedback/advice would be greatly appreciated as we are just starting out in our business venture.
Thank you.
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Some suggestions for promotion/advertising:
* Both the American Women's Association and English-speaking Members Dept YWCA have publications to advertise in and events to partake in.
* Christmas Fairs, International Schools' Fairs. Club Fairs. Will be advertising tables for rent. The Christmas Fairs are usually held in major hotels. Club fairs, e.g. American Club Tai Tam, call to see when holding a fair.
Separates which can be mix and matched, for those with different sized tops and bottoms. Breathable for HK summers. Easy-care fabrics. Colours other than HK omnipresent black/white. Business casual. Smart casual.
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gabb
20 yrs ago
Some of the sizes sold in HK boutiques don't even fit HK/Asian women who are "larger" than normal HK sizes (by HK standard), but they are in NO WAY fat. So your range may even be of interest to these people too.
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Thank you very much claire, we will look into your suggestions. Thanks also for the ideas on what clothing you would like to see.
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Thanks gabb, appreciate your help.
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sounds like a great idea - being 6ft (woman) it is impossible to find clothes! and shoes for that matter....
casual items - esp trousers that are long enough etc! try to be different from M and S - as they already cover that side of the market - more casual funky clothes...i orob wouldnt buy online unless i had a change to see the stuff first )or if you had a good and easy return policy...
good luck!
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Thank you gwerty123, your feedback is great.
I have trouble with shoes also!
Would you come to a parade showing evening at a Hotel or sporting club? then purchase on line if you liked what you had seen?
Thanks again
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gabb
20 yrs ago
If you're interested in marketing your clothes to HK women who are of larger size, I can help you translate your catalogues for free as I'm trying to get new clients in a new field (so by translating materials for you, I can add this into my portfolio). I'm a freelance translator (during my free time) but I am a marketing researcher by profession (full-time, permanent employment). All my current clients are academics and think tanks.
What I said above was my sincere comment. The clothes sold in local HK stores don't really fit nicely because they are too small. I wonder if all those designers have stick-thin women (i.e., those with matchstick arms and toothpick legs) in mind when they design their collections.
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We would be interested in marketing our clothes to HK women also, for sure. Our market is anyone who cannot find clothes to fit them here. We want women and men to be able to buy comfortable, affordable, stylish clothes, and feel good about themselves.
Please check your inbox gabb, thanks
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not sure i would come to a parade showing - might do - but as i work etc its hard to find the time! but let me know when it is on and i will see if im free! have u thought about going down the route of "parties" like they did with tupperware parties - take a whole load round to someones house and then along with wine people will get to see the stuff - and if they dont buy it online then they could buy later online? just an idea!
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Thanks gwerty123,
The "party" thought has crossed our minds, so perhaps we might think about that one again...
Thanks for taking the time to answer my questions.
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I'd LOVE to be able to find UK brands like Phase Eight, Jigsaw, Fenn Wright Manson. Would not complain about Gap or Banana Republic either. You can buy virtually anything you want at the top end in HK, but do not spend my days sitting on the playroom floor in Gucci trousers unfortunately. Just want the everyday stuff! Would purchase at fashion show, from website, whatever!!! Excellent idea!
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qvong
20 yrs ago
Pepaberry..GREAT IDEA!! I personally have trouble finding pants and shirts that fit me properly. I have a very athletic built (i.e smaller waste, larger bum and legs and broad shoulders). The one size fits all clothing here has a hard time going going past my thighs and over my head.
Would love clothing that has spandex or can stretch, light weight and casual in normal colors or blend of colors. I would be interested as long as your stay away from all the silk prints, bedazzling and lace layering madness they have going on the clothing they sell here.
Casual and comfortable would be a great way to go with single colors or suttle designed. I don't know about others but I am not one to wear a light weight t-shirt with a pink hello kitty bedazzled on the front.
Shoes are a whole other subject...Good Luck with your venture.
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gabb
20 yrs ago
Things like this brand:
www.moiselle.com.hk/
UGLY!
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oj
20 yrs ago
Love the idea, need clothes similar to those you can buy from Next, Principles, Monsoon, Hobbs, etc....classy, elegant yet stylish and practical at prices similar to Marks and Spencers.
If i can help in anyway, holler.
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Thank yo so much for all your feedback, this is great! have to agree with the Gucci trousers, Dora the Explorer! and the Pink Hello Kitty tshirt qvong, no need to worry there will be no Hello Kitty, no lace layering, or anything along those lines. We are thinking casual, smart, comfortable, and mosty importantly a good fit.
Keep the feedback coming!
Thank you
Will keep this site informed of our progress.
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gabb
20 yrs ago
But Hello Kitty may be okay for children's clothings if you decide to expand.
Do keep us posted as I need some work clothes.
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Will keep you posted for sure gabb, thanks
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Thank you at, I will certainly check it out.
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Please include in your repertoire items with a bit of spandex/lycra--looking for smart casual tops, denims, light jackets, shorts, mini skirts..Also looking for not too officey/conservative clothes for work. And yeah, no lace please.
And if you do a fashion show, use models who are not waifish. Women who represent your target market in the range of sizes US10-18 maybe..
I don't enjoy ordering online. When I purchase something, I want to be able to try it on, pay for it and take it home on the same day.
Keep us posted!
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annebin,
Thank you for your feedback, much appreciated.
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I guess everyone has different preferences when it comes to clothes. Personally I hate clothes that have spandex/lycra in them to make them stretchy. Most of the garments in M&S now seem to be like this, and unless you are very slim or have a very toned body, I think they look awful as they cling to your body and you can see every lump and bump (we can't all be perfect). I much prefer clothing that has a nice fit but flows nicely and doesn't 'cling'. Smart/casual clothes in mix and match separates, in a variety of colours, fabrics such as linen, cotton rather than synthetic fibres which are a no no in this climate. Personally wouldn't buy from a website for the same reasons as annebin.
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Thanks Sapphire, your feedback is much appreciated, we will certainly be taking all comments into consideration for this business, as we want it to work!. The main focus on fabric will be natural fibres.
thanks again
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That's great DBmum, thank you, we wil look into that.
All this feedback is very helpful
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Would you be sellilng your own designs or would you have a multi-brand offering?
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mamadavid,
We will be selling our own designs.
Thanks for the reply
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The American Women's Association is having their 2006 Fall Charity Bazaar on Thursday, October 12th at the Excelsior Hotel in Causeway Bay. This would be a great opportunity for you to promote your items. You can contact the office at 2527-2961 for the registration form and details.
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bw
20 yrs ago
And when you do open your store hope it's an easily accessible location. There are expats in Kowloon too ! While I'm not averse to making the trek to Hong Kong Island along the MTR line- ap lei chau, pok fu lam, DB, aberdeen is way too far.
I wouldn't mind buying online if you have an easy exchange policy and a good sizing guide.
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D-Man
20 yrs ago
Nice idea althoug I am not sure its original. I recall this being done before but as many of the ladies here have suggested a cross reference for asian and western may work out better.
If you would like to colaborate on any of the Men's line I would be more than interested. I have always been a fan of fashion and its been a lont time underlying passion.
Another note is that I can offer the use of my salon for some shows. I have hosted an Australian Designer showcase here during fashion week and had a pretty good response from both public and media. I would also be happy to work on shows with you, re: hair, makeup, styling and any other areas where I can help. I have conducted and been MC at dozens of shows over the years.
In any event I wish you luck with your endeavour and I am sure if you stay focused and stick with it you will succeed.
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hongkongdebbie,
Thank you for this information, very much appreciated, will look into it for sure!
bw, I am one of those expats in Kowloon, so no worries there! thanks for the feedback on buying on line, very helpful.
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Thanks D-Man, appreciate your offer of assistance and words of incouragement, will keep you posted as things progress.....
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I'm a Canadian expat man of "large" size (but still fit and in good shape), and in Hong Kong I find I usually have to get "tailor made" clothes to fit me.
I usually wear "business" type of clothes, but I'd also like to be able to also find some more "casual" clothes (such as Jeans) that would fit me comfortably and look nice.
I would probably not order clothes over a website. I much prefer to go to the store in person, see the selection, try things on and see how they fit, look and feel on me before deciding to buy.
Good luck.
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Hi BigDon,
Thanks for your feedback, will take it on board!
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Please get up and running asap! I'm tired of wearing Indian shirts that are too tight in the bust just to have something that is cool. I prefer 3/4 length sleeves. Summer clothes are a real problem, especially. I prefer something with a bit of strech, being big busomed, button down shirts are a problem. I prefer casual shirts that have a collar and or /v neck, and/or cross chest with enough "room". Smart casual works in many occasions.
You really don't have to reinvent the wheel, just bring it to Hong Kong! (ie simple own designs or just import 10+ (US) sizes from UK/US).
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