Fur makes a strong comeback at a Hong Kong fair

Models present fur clothes and accessories at the recent Hong Kong International Fur& Fashion Fair.[Photo provided to China Daily]

Hong Kong exports fur to more than 30 countries.

Sun attributed the city's position as a fur-trading center to its focus on technology, craftsmanship and design.

The Hong Kong Fur Federation, established in 1979, organizes fur-trading activities and helps local furriers source their raw material from fur farms in Scandinavia, the US and Canada.

Wong Yau Fai, vice-chairman of the federation, says that while major markets like Russia, Eastern Europe, the US and Japan remain active, there are new buyers who favor fashion items like short jackets and sporty casual wear.

To tap this new market, Henry Lam, CEO of Season Trading Company in Hong Kong, has hired an Italian designer for his brand as he says Italy is still a trend setter in the business.

The brand is also promoting itself through online channels like WeChat and Taobao.

Meanwhile, the fair also offers other benefits to participants as furriers also advise buyers on how to process fur.

Finnish fur auction house Saga Furs' Thea Bank Larsen says Asian customers usually think ahead when they make purchasing decisions. "They care a lot about color and the future manufacturing process when they see the fur."

As for the industry's future, she says that fur is no longer just a winter staple, since it is now used as adornment in autumn and spring as well.