Media: Hong Kong to host IHT conference on luxury, fashion

The fourth of its kind, the conference - entitled 'Luxury 2004: The lure of Asia' - has previously been held in Paris. Confirmed keynote speaker is Bernard Arnault, chairman of LVMH Moet Hennessey Louis Vuitton, while IHT fashion editor Suzy Menkes will chair the event.

According to Randy Weddle, managing director, IHT Asia-Pacific, the event will carry an Asian theme, with topics of discussion to include retail in Hong Kong, China and Japan; the WTO and what it means for brands operating in Asia; jewellery and watches as significant retail products in Asia; and counterfeiting as a potential risk to the industry.

"The fashion industry and its brands now hold a prominent place in the business world and, in fact, are huge businesses in themselves," said Weddle "This event is an extension of the IHT brand and a way to bring it to life from print"

As well as Arnault, the event has confirmed high profile speakers from the major fashion houses of Europe and Asia, including David Tang, founder and chairman of Shanghai Tang.

Leading property and management group Hong Kong Land will be the official sponsor of the event.