Brand matchmaking will open up star opportunities
THREE HONG KONG fashion and celebrity brands and a Russian brand planning to introduce watch lines are taking part in the Hong Kong Watch and Clock Fair's Business Matching Meeting to find manufacturers and partners for their new ventures.
As Hong Kong's biggest box office export since Bruce Lee, Jackie Chan has appeared in global hits such as Rumble in the Bronx, Shanghai Noon and Rush Hour. But the star's image might soon be selling more than films.
C&R International Management's brand manager for Jackie Chan, Alex Yau, said: 'As the exclusive agents to use Jackie Chan's name worldwide, we are looking for watch manufacturers, licensees, or developers, as well as some original designs at the fair.
'We are building a whole lifestyle based on Jackie Chan's name to show the world how to improve your life and make you a better person.'
Established in 1989, C&R International is the master licensee of the brand. Included are four apparel lines, shoes, toys, watches and a concept diner, Jackie's Kitchen.
'Jackie's image is healthy and young. He also supports a lot of charities. We find that he is a positive influence on people so we are building a brand around that,' Mr Yau said.
Up-and-coming fashion designer Henry Lau has designed outfits worn by some of Hong Kong's other big names. Canto-pop stars Hacken Lee, Jacky Cheung, Leslie Cheung, Sandy Lam, and Sandy Yip have all worn Lau's creations at concerts. Lau designed a wedding gown for Amy Kwok, Miss Hong Kong 1991. Talk show hosts Cheung Tak-ming and Candice On-on have also worn the designer's clothes.
Spy International, which has 20 retail outlets in Hong Kong, the mainland and other parts of Asia, wants to develop a line of watches to be sold under the Spy Henry Lau label.
It is looking for original equipment manufacturers and joint-venture partners that specialise in producing elegant and sporty watches. The line would be sold locally and in Japan, North America and the Middle East.
'As a fashion designer brand, a total design look is very important to enhance the whole atmosphere of design concept. Accessories like watches, shoes and eyewear are [meant] to support the main collection. To expand the collection with a full combination will give the audience more choice and more opportunity to own our label's products,' Lau said.
Another issue is what Lau calls 'crossover', the joining of different sectors such as fashion apparel and watches.
'Spy Henry Lau is a trendy, avant-garde, artist-oriented designer brand. So the new design of watches must be very different and very innovative. They can be an accessory for fashion or they can be worn to mix with different outfits. So the brainstorming of the design can be changed by the colour, shape, or look when you wear it.'
Also taking part in the exercise is Rolls Group, which has two labels, Terra Rosalis and Lu Lu Cheung. It has three retail outlets in Hong Kong and 190 employees. It is looking for watch licensees with whom to develop a line of fashion watches to be marketed in Hong Kong, the mainland and Japan.
Director and chief designer Lu Lu Cheung said: 'We are looking for designs that will tie in with our look. We have sold watches before, but not under the Lu Lu Cheung label.'
With 300 retail outlets in Russia, Enton - a manufacturer of menswear including trousers, suits, jackets and coats - is looking for original equipment manufacturers and original design manufacturers that specialise in making elegant watches. They will be sold in Russia.
