Business of Design Week

Challenging and inspiring results were expected when Hong Kong teamed up with The Netherlands during Asia’s leading design event Business of Design Week (BoDW). 'Open Minds' was the theme of this year’s partner country and the programme presented a wide range of exhibitions, seminars, workshops, innovative installations, match making projects between creators and manufactures and other energetic and engaging events.

One of the highlights of the Business of Design Week was an exclusive salon programme presenting a broad cross section of Dutch fashion. Holland's top-notch fashion talent showcased their latest collection exclusively at city centre hotspot Sevva. Designers included Bas Kosters, Hans Ubbink, Mada van Gaans, Monique Collignon, Van Markoviec, Catta Donkersloot and Cleas Iversen.

Designer label Hans Ubbink was admired for its contemporary cuts, and enfant terrible Bas Kosters caused quite a stir with his quirky monster prints. After the show, Asian retailers and manufactures were queuing around the block to speak with the designers. For the following days several meetings took place to further discuss to potential of Dutch fashion in China and Asia/Pacific.

Over 100 of the world's most iconic designers, business leaders and educators attended BoDW to share their success stories, exchange ideas and network. The goal of BoDW is to encourage businesses to unleash the power of design by focusing on the vital relationship and complex interplay between design and business.

One of the driving forces behind the promotion of Dutch fashion is the Dutch Fashion Foundation (DFF). Brainchild of Angelique Westerhof, the DFF positions Dutch fashion on a national and international level by the creation of innovative, high quality services through which the cultural and economic values of fashion can meet and strengthen each other.

Image: Bas Kosters by Wingo