Fashion & luxury
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What You Should Know
Oct 23 · 13:00GlobeNewswire
317 press releases in English indexed under fashion & luxury.
What You Should Know
- Showcasing Innovation, Technology and Trendsetting Designs to Capture New Opportunities in the Eyewear Industry HONG KONG - October 23, 2026 - Organised by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) and co-organised by the Hong Kong Optical Manufacturers Association (HKMOA), the 34th Hong Kong International Optical Fair will be held from 4 to 6 November at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre (HKCEC). Under the theme "Bright Eyes • New Horizons", the fair will bring together more than 600 exhibitors from 14 countries and regions, featuring a wide range of products and solutions covering smart eyewear, eye care, sports and specialist eyewear, frames, lenses and more, providing buyers with a comprehensive one-stop sourcing platform. HKTDC Associate Executive Director Smilely Lam said: "The eyewear industry is entering a new era driven by technological innovation, sustainability and changing lifestyles. AI-powered smart glasses, for example, recorded global shipments of 8.7 million units last year, representing a remarkable year-on-year increase of 322%, underscoring the sector’s strong growth momentum. The Hong Kong International Optical Fair showcases the latest products and technologies, and also inspires the industry to explore emerging market opportunities from fresh perspectives and foster cross-industry collaboration. From smart eyewear and green solutions to innovative fashion-forward designs, we look forward to providing a platform for exchanges and partnerships within and beyond the industry while reinforcing Hong Kong's position as an international business hub and regional sourcing centre." Global brands unveil the next wave of eyewear innovation This year, the fair brings together exhibitors from Hong Kong, the Chinese Mainland, Taiwan, and across Asia, Europe and the United States. Industry associations and enterprises from various regions will also be featured, including the HKOMA, Danyang in Jiangsu Province, Zhejiang, Yingtan in Jiangxi Province, Taiwan, ASEAN, Korea and the Fukui Optical Association, as well as the Visionaries of Style zone dedicated to creative designer brands. Making its debut at the fair, Daegu Health College of Korea will bring a number of local eyewear companies and showcase their innovative products. The spotlighted "Brand Name Gallery" will showcase some 200 renowned brands from around the world, highlighting the latest designs and technological innovations. The 34th Hong Kong International Optical Fair has already attracted pre-registered buyers from leading retailers and distributors worldwide, including Capitol Optical (Singapore), Eyespace Eyewear (UK), Grand Optik (Indonesia), Kaundi GmbH (Austria), Optica Halperin Ltd (Israel), Optical London Drugs (Canada), Parasite Design (France), The Optical Company (Australia) and Vision Plus (US), demonstrating the event’s strong international sourcing appeal. Capturing growth in smart eyewear and the silver economy Rapid advances in artificial intelligence and wearable technology are driving strong growth in the smart eyewear sector. According to IDC, global smart glasses shipments reached 3.566 million units in the first quarter of 2026, up 130.1% year-on-year. Meanwhile, market research firm Omdia reported that global AI eyewear shipments reached 8.7 million units in 2025, representing annual growth of 322%, highlighting the transition of smart eyewear from a niche category to mainstream adoption. This year's fair will feature a wide array of smart eyewear equipped with augmented reality (AR), AI voice assistants, real-time translation, 4K recording and navigation functions. At the same time, growing demand from the silver economy is fuelling interest in vision care and eye-health products. Exhibitors will showcase progressive lenses, smart reading glasses, bone-conduction audio glasses and eye-care devices designed for older consumers, helping to enhance quality of life and visual wellbeing. Sports eyewear, performance eyewear, sustainability-focused products and green manufacturing technologies will also be among the highlights. Industry events spotlight emerging trends and future opportunities A series of forums and seminars will be held during the fair, covering topics such as smart eyewear, performance eyewear, testing and certification, enabling industry professionals to keep abreast of the latest market developments. The 24th Hong Kong International Optometric Symposium, organised by the HKTDC and co-organised by the Hong Kong Optometric Association and The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, will take place on 5 November. Under the theme "Primary Eye Care in Action: Elevating Clinical Scope and Community Impact", experts from Chinese Mainland, Hong Kong, Australia, the United Kingdom, and the United States will share the latest research findings and clinical experiences on a wide range of topics, including paediatric eye care, digital eye strain, driving vision assessment, dry eye management, inherited retinal diseases, and collaborative management between optometrists and ophthalmologists. In addition, the 26th Hong Kong Eyewear Design Competition will hold its award presentation ceremony on the opening day of the fair. This year's theme, "Mix & Match", encourages designers to showcase eyewear as an expression of fashion and personal style through innovative designs. A new Technology Concept Award has been introduced for student participants to encourage the integration of creativity and technology. The fair will continue to adopt the EXHIBITION+ hybrid model which seamlessly integrates online and offline elements to extend business opportunities. Exhibitors and buyers can connect and arrange meetings through the Click2Match online smart business-matching platform until 13 November. During the physical event, buyers can also use the Scan2Match function on the HKTDC Marketplace App to scan exhibitors’ QR codes to bookmark favourite suppliers, access product details and interactive floor plans, and make product enquiries - enabling engagement with exhibitors before and after the fair to continue their sourcing journey. Featured Products Driven by technological innovation, demographic shifts and increasing health awareness, the eyewear industry is entering a new era of growth and transformation. This year's fair spotlights five major trends: smart technology, the silver economy, fashion and design, active lifestyles, and sustainability. Showcasing innovative products and solutions that combine technology, wellness, design and environmental responsibility, the fair offers a glimpse into the future of the industry while opening up fresh business opportunities. Highlights include: Photo Download: https://bit.ly/4iuIl1Q Websites The Hong Kong International Optical Fair: https://www.hktdc.com/event/hkopticalfair/en Event details of the Hong Kong International Optical Fair: https://www.hktdc.com/event/hkopticalfair/en/programme The 24th Hong Kong International Optometric Symposium: https://www.hktdc.com/event/hkopticalfair/en/the-24th-hong-kong-international-optometric-symposium The HKTDC's Media Room: http://mediaroom.hktdc.com/en Fair Details Date: 4 – 6 November 2026 (Wednesday to Friday) Time: (4 to 5 November) 9:30am – 6:30pm (6 November) 9:30am – 5:00pm Venue: Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre Admission: For trade visitors aged 18 or above only. Onsite Registration Fee: HK$100 per person (free for e-Badge registration and pre-registered buyers) Click2Match – Smart Business Matching Platform: Date: 28 October – 13 November Media enquiries: For enquiries, please contact: HKTDC Communication and Public Affairs Department: Navin Law Tel: (852) 2584 4525 Email: navin.cm.law@hktdc.org Winnie Kan Tel: (852) 2584 4055 Email: winnie.wy.kan@hktdc.org About HKTDC The Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) celebrates its 60th anniversary this year. The HKTDC is a statutory body established in 1966 to promote, assist and develop Hong Kong's trade. With over 50 offices globally, including 13 in the Chinese Mainland, the HKTDC promotes Hong Kong as a two-way global investment and business hub. The HKTDC organises international exhibitions, conferences and business missions to create business opportunities for companies, particularly small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), in the mainland and international markets. The HKTDC also provides up-to-date market insights and product information via research reports and digital news channels. For more information, please visit: www.hktdc.com/aboutus.
The Biotech Ingredients Market is gaining importance as biotechnology, pharmaceutical, food, cosmetics, and personal care companies increasingly adopt biologically derived ingredients to develop innovative and sustainable products. Market Overview The Biotech Ingredients Market size is expected to reach US$ 5.09 ... Read more
Merck Foundation (www.Merck-Foundation.com), the philanthropic arm of Merck KGaA Germany, launched their Educating Linda Program to support girl education at Kenya State House, in partnership with H.E. Mrs. RACHEL RUTO E.G.H, The First Lady of the Republic of Kenya and Ambassador of “Merck Foundation More Than a Mother”. During the visit, the Merck Foundation Kenya Alumni Summit 2026 was also conducted to highlight the impact of their scholarships program with the aim to build healthcare capacity and transform patient care landscape across Kenya nationwide. The program was attended by The First Lady of the Republic of Kenya H.E. Mrs. RACHEL RUTO E.G.H, Chairman of Merck Foundation Board of Trustees, Prof. Dr. Frank Stangenberg-Haverkamp, and CEO of Merck Foundation and President of “More Than a Mother” Campaign, Dr. Rasha Kelej and Kenya Minister of Health, Hon. Aden Duale. Senator Dr. Rasha Kelej (Ret.), CEO of Merck Foundation and President of “More Than a Mother” Campaign emphasized, “It is a great pleasure to meet my dear sister, H.E. Mrs. RACHEL RUTO E.G.H. First Lady of the Republic of Kenya and to recognize her for her tremendous efforts as the Ambassador of “Merck Foundation More Than a Mother”. I am proud that through our long-term partnership we have provided 328 scholarships for young Kenyan healthcare providers in 44 critical and underserved specialties. I am also happy to share that nearly 50% of these scholarships have been awarded to women healthcare providers, reinforcing our commitment to women empowerment. It was also great meeting Kenya Minister of Health, Hon. Aden Duale and our Alumni, who are the future healthcare experts of Kenya.” “We are looking forward to extending our scholarship program to more healthcare providers in partnership with First Lady of Kenya and in collaboration with Medical Societies and Ministry of Health when possible.” She added. H.E. Mrs. Rachel Ruto E.G.H., The First Lady of the Republic of Kenya expressed, “Through our impactful partnership with Merck Foundation, we are not just implementing programs, we are transforming lives. Together, we are strengthening our healthcare capacity, empowering girls through education, breaking infertility stigma, and addressing other critical social and health challenges across Kenya. We are immensely proud that, through our strong partnership, we have been able to provide 328 scholarships for our healthcare providers, not only in the capital city, but across the country. It represents a powerful investment in the future of our healthcare system, a commitment to building expertise where it is needed most, and a significant step towards ensuring equitable access to quality care for all our people. At the same time, we are equally proud to support the education of 47 high-performing yet underprivileged Kenyan schoolgirls, providing them with annual scholarships till they graduate. By empowering these young girls through education, we are not only transforming individual lives, but also shaping stronger families, communities, and a brighter future for our nation.” Prof. Dr. Frank Stangenberg-Haverkamp Chairman of Merck Foundation Board of Trustees added, “Our aim is to improve the overall health and wellbeing of people by building healthcare capacity in Kenya and across developing countries. We are strongly committed to transforming patient care through our scholarships program.” Hon. Aden Duale, Cabinet Secretary, Ministry of Health, Kenya shared, “We sincerely appreciate the Merck Foundation Scholarships Program through which 328 scholarships have been provided till today for our local healthcare providers in many critical underserved specialties, helping us to build and strengthen our healthcare capacity, across the country.” One of the important specialties that Merck Foundation is focusing on in 2025 and 2026 in Kenya is the scholarship of One Year Diploma in Nutrition, to support the program of Feeding and Food Security of Kenya First Lady. More than 90 scholarships are dedicated to this specialty across the 47 provinces of Kenya. This will create a culture shift in leading a healthy lifestyle for the whole population which will contribute to healthier communities and hence social and economic development of the whole country nationwide. The program was also attended by the Kenyan winners of Merck Foundation Media Awards 2024 and 2025. “It was a pleasure meeting and celebrating our Winners, the health and social champions, who are the voice of the voiceless”, added Dr. Rasha Kelej. Out of the total 328 scholarships, Merck Foundation has provided: 121 scholarships for one-year postgraduate diplomas and two-year master’s degrees in Diabetes, Preventative Cardiovascular Medicine, Cardiology, and Endocrinology. These programs enable doctors to establish specialized diabetes clinics across the country. 10 scholarships for Oncology, which is a critical specialty to strengthen cancer care capacity. 49 scholarships for Fertility, Embryology, and Reproductive Medicine under the “More Than a Mother” campaign, bringing hope and support to couples facing infertility challenges. 148 scholarships for other important specialties such as Internal Medicine, Psychiatry, Neurology, Emergency Medicine, Dermatology, and many more, contributing significantly to strengthening Kenya’s healthcare system. Merck Foundation has overall provided more than 2,600 scholarships for healthcare providers in 44 critical and undeserved specialties from over 52 countries. During the Summit, Merck Foundation alumni shared inspiring testimonies on how these scholarships have transformed their professional journeys and improved patient care in their communities. Merck Foundation, in partnership with the First Lady of Kenya, is also launching children’s storybooks — “More Than a Mother”, “Educating Linda”, “Jackline’s Rescue”, “Not Who You Are”, “Ride into the Future”, “Sugar Free Jude” and “Mark’s Pressure” in English and Swahili to raise awareness about critical social and health issues among young children. Thousands of copies will be distributed across schools in Kenya. These storybooks have also been adapted into animated films to further enhance their impact. Moreover, Merck Foundation has conducted 4 Editions of their Online Health Media Training for Kenyan journalists to empower them to raise awareness about sensitive social and health issues such as breaking infertility stigma, supporting girl education, ending child marriage and GBV, and promoting healthy lifestyle practices. Merck Foundation, together with the First Lady of Kenya, also organizes annual awards for media, musicians, filmmakers, and fashion designers to encourage creative talents to raise awareness about important social issues. Merck Foundation in partnership with the First Lady of the Republic of Kenya has also announced the Call for Application for their important annual Awards for Media, Musicians, Fashion Designers, Filmmakers, students, and new potential talents in these fields. Details of the Awards: 1. Merck Foundation Media Recognition Awards 2026 “Diabetes & Hypertension”: Media representatives are invited to showcase their work through strong and influential messages to promote a healthy lifestyle and raise awareness about the prevention and early detection of Diabetes and Hypertension. Submission deadline: 30th October 2026. 2. Merck Foundation Film Awards 2026 “Diabetes & Hypertension”: All Filmmakers, Students of Film Making Training Institutions, or Young Talents are invited to create and share a long or short FILMS, either drama, documentary, or docudrama to deliver strong and influential messages to promote a healthy lifestyle raise awareness about prevention and early detection of Diabetes and Hypertension. Submission deadline: 30th October 2026. 3. Merck Foundation Fashion Awards 2026 “Diabetes & Hypertension”: All Students and Designers are invited to create and share designs to deliver strong and influential messages to promote a healthy lifestyle and raise awareness about the prevention and early detection of Diabetes and Hypertension. Submission deadline: 30th October 2026. 4. Merck Foundation Song Awards 2025 “Diabetes & Hypertension”: All Singers and Musical Artists are invited to create and share a SONG with the aim to promote a healthy lifestyle and raise awareness about the prevention and early detection of Diabetes and Hypertension. Submission deadline: 30th October 2026. Apply here: https://apo-opa.co/4siT2b4 Entries for all the awards are to be submitted via email to: submit@merck-foundation.com Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Merck Foundation. Contact: mehak.handa@external.merckgroup.com Join the conversation on our social media platforms below and let your voice be heard! https://apo-opa.co/4siApEp https://apo-opa.co/4sjDsw3 https://apo-opa.co/48grr0V https://apo-opa.co/4k9Cq3t https://apo-opa.co/4stVHij https://apo-opa.co/4i0xWef www.Merck-Foundation.com https://apo-opa.co/4yD9HHU About Merck Foundation: Merck Foundation works across more than 50 countries with First Ladies, their Foundations, Ministries, and other key stakeholders. Through complementary roles in advocacy, local government coordination, healthcare & media capacity building, girls’ education, and community awareness initiatives. It is this coordinated ecosystem of partnerships—with distinct responsibilities and a shared vision—that enables Merck Foundation to build local capacity, create sustainable impact, and contribute to long-term transformation in healthcare and society. Through their various programs and initiatives, Merck Foundation has provided 2,750+ scholarships for healthcare providers from 52 countries in 44 critical and underserved specialties, awarded 1,570+ scholarships to underprivileged African schoolgirls across 21 countries, trained 4,000+ media professionals, recognized 980 award winners, and reached 9+ million followers across 15 social media channels, driving lasting impact in healthcare, education, and awareness across Africa and Asia. The Merck Foundation is dedicated to improving social and health outcomes for communities in need. While it collaborates with various partners, including governments to achieve its humanitarian goals, the foundation remains strictly neutral in political matters. It does not engage in or support any political activities, elections, or regimes, focusing solely on its mission to elevate humanity and enhance well-being while maintaining a strict non-political stance in all of its endeavors. All Merck Foundation press releases are distributed by e-mail at the same time they become available on the Merck Foundation Website. Please visit www.Merck-Foundation.com to read more. Follow the social media of Merck Foundation: Facebook (https://apo-opa.co/4siApEp), X (https://apo-opa.co/4sjDsw3),Instagram (https://apo-opa.co/4k9Cq3t), YouTube (https://apo-opa.co/48grr0V), Threads (https://apo-opa.co/4stVHij) and Flickr (https://apo-opa.co/4i0xWef). 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Middle East's largest B2B jewellery sourcing event returns next week for its fifth edition at DEC Expo City Dubai, alongside Dubai Diamond Week, bringing together strategic dialogue and international sourcing opportunities. Around 300 exhibiting brands from 23 countries will meet international buyers from 27–29 October for Jewellery, Gem & Technology in Dubai (JGTD) . Organised by Informa Markets an
10ML says it has more than 100,000 customers. Its range covers 1,059 original perfumes from 89 houses, 52 niche and 37 designer. The European perfume retailer says it now serves more than 100,000 customers, with 1,059 original perfumes from 89 designer and niche houses. More than 100,000 customers chose 10ML because the houses they want are all in one place, in sizes that let them wear a perfume before they commit to
DUBAI, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES, October 23, 2026 / EINPresswire.com / -- Max Fashion , the leading value fashion brand in the Middle East and part of Landmark Group, has officially kicked off its highly anticipated White Wednesday Sale, giving shoppers up to 70% off in the UAE and up to 60% off in Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, and Oman. The sale covers apparel, footwear and accessories for women, men and kids, with savings ava
Benchmark International is pleased to announce that it facilitated HALO's acquisition of Leslie Jordan Inc., a Portland, Oregon-based custom manufacturer of performance and lifestyle apparel, promotional products, medals, and accessories, as well as a global leader in branded merchandise, uniform programs, and recognition and incentive solutions. Founded in 1986 and headquartered in Portland, Oregon, Leslie Jordan Inc. [PR.com]
MandM reveals surge in winter coat demand as the first named storm of the season brings the threat of 80mph winds LONDON, UNITED KINGDOM, October 23, 2026 / EINPresswire.com / -- Brits are wasting no time getting ready for the colder, wetter months ahead, with off-price fashion and sportswear retailer MandM revealing it is selling an average of one winter coat every twenty seconds as the UK's first named storm of the
GAOZHOU, GUANGDONG, CHINA, October 23, 2026 / EINPresswire.com / -- Welding can be pretty dangerous, so safety really has to come first. Take what expert Mark Thompson, who's kind of a big deal in protective gear, always says: “The right Welding Safety Apparel can be the difference between life and death.” That really hits home, showing just how important good safety gear is for welders, helping protect against burns
Veteran-owned, family-run pre-owned luxury watch dealer recognized for its transparent inspection standards and a 5.0-star overall rating. CULLMAN, AL, UNITED STATES, October 23, 2026 / EINPresswire.com / -- Kingdom Watch Company , a veteran-owned, family-run dealer of pre-owned luxury watches, has received the Consumer Ratings Institute ’s 2026 Gold Standard in Craftsmanship & Customer Trust recognition for Cullman