This window on what we will be wearing next summer also showcases other trends, including floral and botanical prints, stripes and the continuation of denim and sporty styles as important influences.

Fenix Hong Kong is one of the city's leading knitwear manufacturers, and its design division manager Rachel Wong offers an insight into what the company will be producing for the season.

'We are mainly using viscose, silk and high-twist cotton,' she said.

'The silhouettes are easy - not tight and not too loose. Nothing is exaggerated. There are subtle details, such as small ruffles and lacy patterns.

'We also have some transparent features using 100 per cent nylon but [this] looks like fishnet.

'Colours are happy - bright but not too sharp. There is a lot of beige and white with accents in blue, papaya and lemon. The look is one of elegant femininity.'

Fast Base Enterprises, another knitwear specialist, will also be exhibiting woven items.

Senior marketing officer Gloria Sze Ming-lee said: 'We are working with a joint-venture factory to produce a range of women's wear that can be mixed and matched with our sweaters.

'This season we are adding more streetwear, especially in sporty style. On trips to Europe, we are recognising more streetwear in the market. That's why we wanted to develop this range.'

The jackets, trousers and skirts are in cotton or linen/cotton mix, in bold shades of yellow, orange and fuchsia. 'For our knitwear, our strength is fine gauge. Here the colours are also strong, with some print styles.

'The fit is mainly tight, although we do have one oversize collection. Yarns are viscose and cotton- nylon, but we have also developed high-quality pieces in silk cotton and spandex.'

Celesway International designs and manufactures evening gowns for markets in North America, western Europe and Japan.

Its factory in Huizhou is one of the main centres for embroidery and beading in southern China.

Manager Heidi Cheuk said: 'Our gowns for spring/summer 2005 are mostly in silk printed fabrics, with floral or animal skin patterns. The cuts are asymmetrical with ruffle details. Colours are bright and include turquoise and fuchsia.'

Beading and embroidery are prominent features. Easey Garments, which manufactures casual wear, is focusing on linen in fruity colours for next summer. Sales and marketing director Paul Chau said: 'We get information on new trends from fabric shows, plus we get input from our customers.

'With this, we come up with the direction for the season. Linen will be a major item for next summer, either on its own or in various mixes. We also have a high-density cotton that is lightweight but has body and is particularly good for items such as trousers.

'Stretch will be popular for women's wear, especially in dobby or other interesting fabrics.'

Mr Chau said mango and orange would be two of the hottest colours for the season, and stripes would make a reappearance.

'As for silhouettes, for trousers the boot cut and flares will feature strongly,' he said.