On with the show: New fashion event to put Hong Kong on the map

Two British expatriates are changing the face of fashion in Hong Kong with a trade show to help brands connect with the rapidly growing Asia-Pacific markets.

Peter Caplowe and Richard Hobbs are the men behind The Hub, billed as "Asia's first respected international business-to-business fashion trade show connecting globally renowned brands with influential retailers and business partners in the Asia Pacific region". The first show will be held from August 28-30 at the AsiaWorld-Expo.

"We want to put The Hub on the fashion map and get people in Hong Kong talking about fashion," says Caplowe from his showroom in Sheung Wan. "This is the first show, so everyone is watching and waiting to see how it goes."

The Hub has so far signed up 100 brands but more are expected. About 700 buyers, predominantly from Asia, have also signed up. A self-funded start up, Caplowe says they are targeting resources with the most impact. "And speaking to the brands, they're all just saying China, China, China."

The pair have cleverly struck up big China partnerships including Shanghai Mart, Asia's largest permanent international trade mart that boasts a database of more than 400,000 companies. It is bringing 300 of its buyers.

Hobbs and Caplowe are also working with the China Textiles Information Centre, a body "tasked with moving people in the manufacturing industry in China up the fashion food chain".