The return to Hong Kong coincides with the fair’s 40th Anniversary
In early June 1984, in a car park in central Hong Kong, the first edition of the Hong Kong International Leather Fair (later to become APLF) was held.
The founder of the fair, Derek Dickins, had the vision to realize that China was to become the most dynamic component of the global footwear and leather industry. This was based on the economic reforms instituted in 1979 by then Chinese leader, Deng Xiaoping, known as the Open Door Policy. This policy permitted private enterprises to flourish, trade with the world, and unfetter production from centralized and stifling regulations. For the leather and footwear sector, Hong Kong and its annual leather event became the gateway to China, facilitating trade through Hong Kong’s free trade area and its function as Asia’s commercial and financial hub.
Now, 40 years later, the leather fair now branded as APLF Leather has returned to its home base after an absence of five years, to coincide with four decades of serving the Leather and Fashion industry.
APLF has always moved to reflect changes in the industry. For example, the fair’s updating can be seen from its name changes that resulted in transforming its focus and branding. The Hong Kong International Leather Fair became the Asia Pacific Leather Fair; this then became APLF Materials Manufacturing & Technology: to APLF Leather & Materials+ and now APLF Leather.
As the Meeting Place of the Global Leather Industry, APLF has experienced and overcome the vicissitudes of external events impacting the economy and the industry itself such as the SARS outbreak in 2003, the financial crisis in 2008/2009 and last but not least, the pandemic which forced the fair to temporarily relocate to Dubai in 2022 and 2023.
Despite such challenges and disruptions, APLF persevered and continued its Mission of Serving the Leather and Fashion industry successfully.
2024 – The 40th Anniversary
The 2024 event took place at the Hong Kong Convention & Exhibition Centre (HKCEC) in a 3-in-1 format with its sister fairs, Materials+ and Fashion Access as in 2019.
However, the layout of the fair was different this year. The leather fair moved from Level 1 of the exhibition center to Level 3, where there is more space to accommodate exhibitors and widen the aisles so as to avoid crowding. Fashion Access and Materials+ are now relocated on Level 1.
The whole manufacturing supply chain was gathered under one roof for three intense days of business and conversations between exhibitors, buyers, peers and competitors alike. Leather, materials, components, and technology all combine to produce the finished products and accessories on display in Fashion Access.
For the 40th anniversary of APLF, several associations and national pavilions participated in the fair. The annual meetings of organizations like the International Council of Tanners (ICT), ICHSLTA, Leathersellers’ Company, The UK Leather Federation, Leather Working Group and Leather Naturally were held.
Additionally, national pavilions from prominent tanning nations supported APLF, including Brazil, China, France, Germany, India, Italy, Japan, Korea, Pakistan, Portugal, Mexico, Spain, Thailand, Türkiye, Uzbekistan, and the USA. Major manufacturing countries like China, India, Pakistan, South Africa and Vietnam attended Fashion Access.
Over the years, APLF has become more than just a trade fair as it was transformed into an integrated, international event. It now hosts seminars, conferences, and trend areas – designed to cover all aspects of the industry alongside a more traditional trade fair where the most important companies were exhibiting from over 40 countries worldwide.
APLF is the commercial hub for the leather manufacturing and fashion accessories industry in Asia. As such, it is the ideal business platform for western suppliers and Asian customers to meet and do business in a professional, well-organized atmosphere.
