Michelle Hespe speaks to Clean My Space founder and content creator Melissa Maker about savvy ways you can utilise and implement AI, some great associated tools and things to avoid while you learn the ropes.
Artificial Intelligence (AI) research actually began in 1956 at a workshop in Dartmouth College, Germany, but it wasn’t until the early 2000s that data collection truly boomed. By the end of 2024, close to 310 million people were using AI. It is expected that by 2030 there will be 700 million AI users and by the end of 2025 more than eight billion digital voice assistants. Clean My Space YouTuber and content creator Melissa Maker has more than 2.1 million followers on YouTube and across social media; one thing she knows is that like it or not, the time to start leaning into AI is now not later.
A surreal depiction of a mother with long brown hair, brown eyes and Jewish facial features
“It is moving at such breakneck speed that if you don’t become an early adopter, you will be left behind because your competitors will be using it,” she says.
“And it can offer extraordinary levels of efficiency.”
Here are some dos and don’ts from Maker to help you take your first steps on the journey of incorporating AI into your business.
Make room for AI in your life.
Maker admits that she has not completely thrown herself into AI yet, as she, like most retailers out there, has a full-time job running a business.
“I’m adopting and experimenting with AI, seeing what works for my business,” she says.
“For those who are not social media and marketing experts, you just need to make space for AI in your life. The good news is there are so many tools out there to assist you, that you can gradually integrate elements of AI into your workflows.”
Maker recommends choosing a few basic AI programs to begin with, such as Fireflies.ai.
“This program helps you to transcribe, summarise and analyse meetings,” she says.
“You simply take the notes from the meeting and feed them into Chat GPT.
Then you can ask Chat GPT to pull out some great points from the transcription for social media posts and then feed them into social media scheduling programs such as Hoot Suite or Later.”
Maker also uses AI for making research more efficient.
“Use it for trend forecasting. For instance, upload a whitepaper to Chat GPT and ask it to summarise the top five most salient trends in your sector right now. By feeding it the whitepaper, you’re uploading information into a brain [AI being the brain] and then asking to do things with the information. It can summarise, analyse, cull and truncate. It’s a wonderful way to interact with information in ways we have not been able to before and in record time.”
Maker warns that you must prompt AI correctly. “This cannot be undervalued,” she says. “The responses you get are equal to your input. Don’t be vague or broad or you won’t get good output. Do be precise in the information you feed AI.”
Train AI to understand your business for great content ideas.
Maker says that one of the first steps you should take is teaching AI to understand your business.
“You need to feed Chat GPT everything you have about your business so that it knows your company. Basically, you are training AI to reflect you.”
“You need to feed Chat GPT everything you have about your business so that it knows your company. Basically, you are training AI to reflect you,” she says.
“You can feed AI your mission statement, white papers that relate to your industry, your biography and your style guide. Remember, AI only has what you give it and the more you teach it about your business, the more it knows what kind of content it should be creating.”
Maker also explains that before you ask Chat GPT for something, you should explain who you are. For instance, you can start by telling it something like ‘I am a 35-year-old retailer specialising in Tupperware. I am a mother of three and have a quirky sense of style. I live in New York and my store is all about community’. Once you have done this, you can then prompt Chat GPT to produce ideas for you.
“For instance, I might say ‘give me 50 ideas for social posts that would be good for my cleaning company, Clean My Space. I create funny, relatable posts to help people clean’.
“Chat GPT will give you 50 ideas and
Melisssa Maker
A realistic image of a woman with longer brown hair, inspired by Melissa Maker from Clean My Space
most of them might be bad to start with. Ten of them might be okay, so you can then play with those and refine them. A few might be brilliant and you can use them. Then you can tell Chat GPT what the good ones were and ask for another 50 more like them and so on.”
Even if you don’t use the ideas as they are, the results will all be great thought starters.
“AI can help you to get a fresh perspective on anything,” Maker says.
Use programs in conjunction with AI.
Once you have your 50 ideas or concepts for great posts, Maker explains that you can then use other programs and tools such as one that focuses on colours, photos or illustrations and you can use popular programs such as Canva.
“Canva has a Bulk Create tool so you can take your Chat GPT generated one-liners, put them into a Google sheet, import them into Canva, choose a few backgrounds, use the Bulk Create tool and then insert your imagery,” she says.
“Then schedule posts for a month or more. It’s so quick it’s crazy.”
As anyone who has used AI for producing photography has seen, it tends to come across as tacky, weird or just not quite right.
“I don’t like AI imagery as it is now, so don’t use it if you want realistic photography,” she says. “It has a long way to go before it looks like professional photography.”
Maker is amazed by how many tools are out there to help people master AI-generated or AI-assisted content. For those working in video, she recommends CapCut, which is a video editor that incorporates some AI features that are fun to experiment with such as script creation and can even create a video and script from the video clips and images you provide.
She also mentions Opus.ai, which is a program into which you can feed one long video and then ask it to create 10 clips that you can use in Reels or on TikTok.
“You won’t get Hollywood-style editing right now, but you’ll get something visually appealing that you can use as smaller clips for social posts.
“With some of these AI programs, you can do script-to-video or video-to-script,” she explains.
“For example, you can film yourself showing off a new baking pan and explain its features and then ask AI to turn that into script. Or you can write the script and ask AI to turn the script into video.”
Munch is another program that Maker recommends experimenting with, which is an AI video repurposing platform that helps users to extract the most engaging and impactful clips from their long-form video.
She explains how AI can help you to generate captions, long form stories or even choose art to go with your content.
Maker recommends not using the free platforms of programs if you are going to invest your time and energy in them, but to use better versions where you pay a small subscription.
“You will not get the same results if
you use the free versions of programs or platforms.”
As with any marketing on any platforms, follow the rules.
“Don’t post anything created with AI without first researching and understanding the regulations for your region and the platforms that you are posting on,” she warns.
“Do your research as more regulations are being put in place around AI.”
Maker stresses that it’s best to start experimenting now.
“Do get out there and educate yourself,” she says.
“There are plenty of ways to get some experience and education such as local colleges and online tutorials. Look into what courses are available in your community or hire someone to show you. AI is here to stay, so it’s best to rip the plaster off now and get started.” G This article originally appeared in Inspired, the official magazine of The Inspired Home Show. The 2026 Inspired Home Show will be held from 10 to 12 March.
A realistic image of a woman inspired by Melissa Maker, surrounded by various cleaning tools and supplies
LET’S UNPACK THAT
Simple ways businesses can reduce their packaging waste and lower their carbon footprint.
According to available data, 141 million tonnes of plastic waste are produced annually, with product packaging accounting for roughly 40 per cent of all plastic waste generated. The production, use and disposal of plastic produces approximately 1.8 billion tonnes of carbon emissions annually, which highlights its significant impact on planet earth. Sustainable business practices and eco-friendly packaging are the future of the retail industry as the severity of climate change and waste pollution
becomes more evident. Companies that fail to adapt will quickly find themselves on the losing end of business as consumers continue to show their loyalty towards brands that are committed to protecting the planet for generations to come.
From overflowing landfills that are increasing at an alarming rate each year to dangerous and destructive waste polluting oceans, rivers and water sources across the world, global warming, climate change and the permanent impact of plastics on the natural world are environmental issues that have firmly captured public attention.
The significant impact waste and pollution have on our planet has never been more apparent. Millions of people
around the world are demanding that large corporations, organisations and governments step up their efforts to address and control this almost irreversible disaster.
A study conducted in 2021 revealed that nearly 90 per cent of people worldwide want a UN plastic pollution treaty. Consumers across the globe continue to pressure companies to make better and more sustainable business decisions by using the most influential weapon in their arsenal: their cash dollar.
There are many simple but effective ways for any business to make its operations more sustainable, leading to a lower carbon footprint and reduced unnecessary waste generated by its product packaging solutions.
Swap to biodegradable packaging
Thanks to recent innovation and development, more biodegradable packaging options are available on the market than ever before. They are fantastic alternatives to plastic-based or single-use options that end up in landfills, polluting water sources and soils for hundreds of years to come. Opt for cellophane instead of plastic wrap. Cellophane is made of cellulose, a biodegradable material that will degrade within two months if uncoated or three months if coated. Additionally, you can use cornstarch-based plastics and paper packing materials from reputable brands to ensure the products will break down as advertised. Encourage your consumers to use these packaging options for composting to extend their lifecycle as plant food.
Consumers support retailers that care about the planet
Reusable containers
Implementing reusable containers helps to significantly reduce packaging waste. Opt for materials like glass and tin that customers can reuse multiple times in a variety of applications and eventually recycle once they no longer need them.
If applicable, encourage your customers to bring their own containers and mesh bags to fill with the products they are buying. Alternatively, create an incentive program to reward those who bring in their old containers, either to be recycled or reused. This will promote a sustainable behaviour loop. Over time, these initiatives will lower waste production and support a culture of environmental understanding and responsibility among you and your customers.
Packaging recycling programs
To further mitigate your environmental impact, consider implementing a packaging recycling program, both in-house and for your customers. Consult with local authorities to ensure you understand what can and cannot be collected and what responsibilities you hold as a business.
Make it easy for staff and customers to properly recycle plastic and other materials by utilising separate bins for general waste and recycling purposes. Research how recycled materials need to be separated and set up a regular collection schedule.
Offer customers a discount for returning product packaging to be reused or arrange a recycling scheme at your location for customers to drop off items that need to be collected and recycled. These initiatives will lower your overall waste and also highlight your commitment to sustainability and eco-friendly business practices.
Avoid overpackaging
Overpackaging is a major contributor to unnecessary waste in the retail industry. Many products are packed with multiple layers of different packaging materials, many of which are not needed and typically end up in the bin after purchase.
Take time to carefully assess your current packaging and shipping protocols to identify areas where materials can be
reduced or removed without compromising the integrity and protection of the products. This will not only allow you to dramatically reduce the amount of harmful waste produced by your business operations, but it will also result in cost savings in your budget.
Sustainable suppliers
In business, creating a sustainable packaging strategy cannot be achieved alone. It is essential to consult with your manufacturers and suppliers on ways to reduce their packaging waste or switch to more eco-friendly options.
Depending on their size and available resources, some suppliers may be able to provide bulk items in mesh wholesale produce bags or use reinforced cardboard shipping boxes instead of individually wrapped plastic. The nature of your industry will largely impact the options available to you and your suppliers. However, collaborating on these initiatives will help significantly reduce unwanted packaging waste, foster a closer working relationship and set a good precedent for future business. G
Glass containers can be used multiple times Image: iStock - monkey business images
There are many ways to make your business (more) sustainable
A packaging recycling program is great for business Image: iStock - Chay Tee
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CHINA DESIGNED IN
China International Furniture Fair (CIFF) Guangzhou, held from 18 to 21 March (Phase 1), showcased its most comprehensive home furniture exhibition to date with a large display of living solutions for the future.
Spanning 90 exhibition halls and covering 850,000 square metres, over 4,700 participating brands from China and overseas showcased their latest innovations to 363,825 visitors from 187 countries and regions. Notably, the number of overseas attendees (56,794) marked a 10.91 per cent year-on-year increase.
Divided into two phases, CIFF Guangzhou 2025 provided a comprehensive overview of the entire
By aligning with global trends and sustainability goals, the fair solidified its role as an essential platform for brands to connect, innovate and expand.
supply chain featuring Home Furniture, Office & Commercial Space and CIFM/ interzum guangzhou.
Under the theme ’navigation’, Home Furniture showcased cuttingedge improvements in creative home aesthetics, high-end interior decorations, intelligent sleep technology and refined outdoor living.
Reflecting a strong industry shift toward sustainability, smart home integration and personalisation, the fair tapped into the trends shaping future home environments.
The fair explored home furniture in six innovative areas through design and space. From the Sofa & Bed section to the innovative Dining & Living sector showcasing the latest trends, each
area had been curated to address contemporary living demands.
The CIFF Modern Design Expo covered over 50,000 square metres of the Canton Fair Complex and united 60 commercial design brands, 40 international design brands and studios, 100 design ecosystem institutions and more than 200 designers.
Seven curated exhibition areas—East Design Show, CMF Trends LAB, Aesthetic Exhibition of Intangible Cultural Heritage Skills, Green East, Design United, Design Dimsum and Design Export—created a platform where traditional craftsmanship meets contemporary innovation.
This collaborative environment marked the evolution from ‘Made in China’ to ‘Designed in China’, promoting innovation
Furniture at CIFF
HC28 stand at CIFF
and supporting global market expansion while offering visitors international design perspectives.
This year, 12 themed design exhibitions, curated by experts like Zhu Xiaojie, Li Ximi, Jamy Yang, Yu Lizhan, explored trendy topics such as folk arts, sustainability and AI applications.
The Sofa area created quite the buzz at the fair, occupying 130,000 square meters and featuring nearly 330 domestic and international brands including industry leaders such as Kuka, MANWAH, HTL and other brands.
A unique ‘Sofa Plus’ created an S-shaped journey through Halls 9.3-11.3, offering visitors an immersive experience of global sofa innovations. The Sleep exhibition area took centre stage with 40,000 square meters of exhibition space and 130 exhibitors, emphasising the integration of smart technology and health-focused innovations. A dedicated 10,000-square-meter smart sleep zone showcased cutting-edge products including smart mattresses, intelligent beds, monitoring systems and advanced sleep technology solutions, highlighting the industry’s commitment to wellness and comfort.
The Dining and Living Room exhibition spanned an impressive 120,000 square metres, featuring more than 750 manufacturers across specialised zones. The dedicated Dining Room Design Hall and Living Room Design Hall displayed the latest innovations in residential spaces, while a cross-border ecommerce zone served
as a strategic platform for international trade bringing together leading global platforms including Amazon, eBay, TikTok, Temu, Shein and Wayfair, presenting products specifically optimised for online retail and facilitating direct connections between manufacturers and digital marketplaces.
Furniture design brand H28 introduced the Global Designer’s Lounge, blending eastern hospitality with western design.
The HC28 stand is built around the narrative of ‘four lounges and one gallery’. The exterior design is the first visual focal point— huge craft detail panels and light, airy curtains create an interplay of solid and void, says product manager, Ruolin Feng.
“This experience blends the art of eastern hospitality into a space aesthetic revolution,” she explains.
“From objects to spirit, from function to artistic conception, the brand uses design language to interpret the philosophical wisdom of ‘harmony between heaven and humanity’, offering a cross-cultural, future-forward immersive experience for a global audience.”
As visitors stepped inside the stand, four themed lounges focused on symbiosis, dialogue, contemplation and future.
“Through different materials and lighting, the space reflected the multi-layered nature of eastern aesthetics, while also showcasing an international perspective and subtle eastern charm.”
Eastern hospitality emphasises ‘courtesy as the foundation, harmony as the soul’ and HC28 drew inspiration from this philosophy to reimagine the Global Designer’s Lounge, she comments.
“Breaking the physical boundaries of traditional home design with panoramic design thinking, HC28 transforms the space into a spiritual domain that carries eastern philosophical thought.
“By dissolving the separation between custom furniture and mobile furniture through a fluid floor layout and building vertical planes that balance the abstract and the concrete, the space takes on a breathable and inclusive quality. This innovation is not only a revolution in living functionality but also a contemporary interpretation of eastern lifestyles and spiritual core.”
Stand in the Sleep exhibition
Home Furniture m&d
Highlights from CIFF
Flolenco Group specialises in home accessories and has cemented its position as a key supplier for global retail giants after its partnership with US based Ashley Furniture in 2016.
When the 2024 Paris Olympics organising committee needed to furnish its venues, they selected DHF, providing over 4,200 chairs and 400 tables for the world’s premier sporting event.
Over the past 42 years, Kuka Home has become one of the world’s largest furniture manufacturers with factories in China, Vietnam and Mexico. Inspired by fashion, technology and textiles, its designs include mattresses, beds, sofas, recliners and dining chairs.
ARTSOME Furniture is known for its successful DOB and ARTSOME sofa series, which have gained international recognition.
Merlin Living has been manufacturing ceramics since 2004 and has recently embraced 3D printing of ceramic vases and other homewares.
Foshan Zhihao Furniture Co is a boutique furniture design and manufacturer in Asia. Menoir is the main brand of the company.
Guangzhou Kerry Home Deco Co was established in 2016 and specialises in furniture, lighting and home decoration with a focus on cabinets. Kerry Home has been successfully supplying several famous brands with customised decoration cabinets.
Gordon Gu was established by Gu Hailong and its unique pieces have garnered much interest from both local and international buyers.
The debut of the ‘east meets west minimalism’ lounge marks HC28’s strategic shift from product output to cultural output, adds Feng.
“The brand rejects complex symbol overload, using restrained lines, natural materials and the philosophy of empty space to share eastern wisdom through design with the world. Looking ahead, HC28 will collaborate with more international design masters to tell the story of eastern futurism on the global stage.”
The International Pavilion covered 30,000 square metres with more than 100 manufacturers from countries including Italy, Singapore, the United States, Malaysia, Australia, India, South Korea and Turkey, celebrating diverse cultural influences and global design perspectives.
Singaporean brand Commune believes that the International Pavilion’s concept perfectly aligns with its values.
“The International Pavilion serves as a window, giving exhibitors the opportunity to directly access the vibrant Chinese market
and propel their brands onto a broader world stage,” says a spokesperson.
“As the International Pavilion becomes increasingly international, more high quality overseas brands are entering the market and Chinese consumers’ acceptance and demand for international design styles continue to grow.”
IPEK from Turkey focuses on the production of upholstered and panel furniture and it continuously launches new products that keep up with market trends.
“In recent years, CIFF Guangzhou has witnessed significant changes in industry trends that reflect both the overall transformation of the global home furnishings market and the unique demands of the Chinese market,” the brand states.
“On this excellent platform we can showcase our brand to the world and expand our brand influence.”
The Home Decor & Home Textiles is the largest and most comprehensive of its kind in China and featured over 500 exhibitors under the theme ’Renewal’, with presentations on interior and decoration aesthetics.
Outdoor Furniture, Sunshade & Leisure, themed ’Exploration’, covered the full spectrum of outdoor furnishing including outdoor furniture, outdoor sunshade, garden decor, grills and camping gear. G
Home Decor & Home Textiles
COMMUNITY Convenience, connection &
Retailers are still making too many mistakes in difficult trading conditions.
JMK Retail’s general manager Vicki Leavy says iconic retailers are falling behind because they’re not evolving with their customers.
As the cost of living continues to bite, she is urging retailers to rethink their strategies before it’s too late.
Leavy explains that the retail landscape is shifting rapidly and many well-known retailers are making critical mistakes that are costing them foot traffic, customer loyalty and ultimately, survival.
“Society is changing and shoppers are demanding more convenience, connection and community,” she explains.
“They still crave the experience and
entertainment of shopping but they want it closer to home and more in tune with their lifestyle.”
Leavy says iconic retailers are falling over because they’re failing to adapt as she outlines several major missteps.
Ignoring local behaviour patterns
“We see retailers continue to invest in large-format flagship stores in CBDs while people are increasingly living, working and shopping locally. Shoppers want to support nearby businesses and avoid long commutes and high parking costs,” Leavy says.
Consumers prefer to shop locally
It’s important for Aussies to support local business
Convenience is king
“If your customers can’t easily find parking, navigate your store or make a quick purchase, they’ll go somewhere else or shop online. Retailers must simplify the experience at every level.
“Unfortunately, these levels of convenience can’t be found in many of the busy city based shopping precincts, but they can be enjoyed at many suburban based centres where the whole premise of convenience is elevated to a new level.”
Not evolving fast enough
“Many retailers are stuck in a format that hasn’t changed in years. Shoppers want fresh, engaging and seasonal experiences. If you’re not adapting your layout, product offering or in-store engagement, you’re not keeping up,” Leavy adds.
“This is particularly obvious when it comes to large national retail chains with a ubiquitous presence. National brand recognition alone doesn’t equate to share of wallet, but engaging, tailored and thoughtful offerings do as long as they are delivered in a captivating and highly connected way.”
The power of community connection
“Today’s shoppers are looking for brands that care about the places they operate in. Being locally relevant through events, sponsorships or just knowing your customer’s name matters more than ever.
“This is particularly evident in our suburban based shopping centres where customers enjoy the sense of community and the event of shopping because it feels like a familiar, comfortable and gratifying entertainment experience.”
“Many retailers are stuck in a format that hasn’t changed in years. Shoppers want fresh, engaging and seasonal experiences.”
One size doesn’t fit all
“What works in a capital city doesn’t always work in a regional or suburban setting. Retailers need to tailor their offering to the local demographic and culture, otherwise it feels disconnected and generic,” Leavy says.
“One of the key areas that helps to achieve this experience is staff training and sales interactions. High turnover and cost cutting is really eating into the skill and capability of retailers to engage
and sell on the ground. Salespeople who are genuinely committed to the brand, their role and the needs of local customers stand out and excel. The problem is that we just don’t come across too many of them anymore outside of suburban based shopping centres.”
Leavy is strongly encouraging retailers to refocus on hyper-local shopping centres, which are fast becoming the heart of Australian communities.
“These centres aren’t just about groceries anymore, they’re becoming lifestyle destinations,” she says.
“We’re seeing strong, sustained foot traffic in suburban hubs because they offer the experience people want, without the hassle.
“Retail isn’t dead, but the old retail model is.
“Those who innovate and go local will thrive. Those who don’t…won’t. Omni-channel engagement is the key moving forward. Retailers need to develop and deliver clever strategies that enable them to gain insight into the needs and behaviour of their customers through digital technology and then engage through in person and online activities,” Leavy comments.
“This is where efficiencies can be achieved while also driving growth online and instore. Overwhelmingly, shoppers want convenience in a customised manner while also achieving value. Suburban shopping centres increasingly play a key role in enabling this outcome.” G
Customers flock to local shopping centres bcause it feels familiar
Shoppers want engaging experiences
APPEAL
Even an earthquake rocking Myanmar and parts of Thailand just a few days before and the introduction of the US tariffs couldn’t deter visitors to STYLE Bangkok, as the fair welcomed close to 25,000 buyers, both local and international, representing 60 countries across Asia, Europe, the US and the Middle East.
Held from 2 to 4 April 2025 at Queen Sirikit National Convention Centre (QSNCC), exhibitors reported strong business outcomes, with many securing export deals on the spot, underscoring STYLE Bangkok’s role as a key trade platform for lifestyle and fashion industries.
“STYLE Bangkok 2025 has once again demonstrated that the creativity and craftsmanship of Thai designers as well as the production of quality-standard goods by Thai manufacturers can compete on the world stage,” minister of commerce Pichai Naripthaphan commented on the event’s success.
“Despite ongoing challenges in global trade, Thailand remains committed to boosting exports through high-value lifestyle and fashion products. By continually developing goods that integrate new functionality and prioritise sustainability, we are responding to the evolving needs of the global market. The success of this fair reflects Thailand’s ability to adapt and thrive amidst the shifting landscape of the world economy.”
The fair catered to businesses at every level, from global players such as Yothaka, whose designs have appeared in hit TV series and exhibited at Maison&Objet Paris, to Korakot, whose pieces feature in interiors for international brands and Angoworld, which creates unique pieces of lighting.
Yothaka has been exhibiting at STYLE Bangkok from the beginning and its founder, Suwan Kongkhunthian, says the company was the first to use water hyacinth to create
STYLE Bangkok offers a unique opportunity to explore Thailand’s lifestyle and fashion industry and view a diverse range of products in a single venue as it brings together three major trade fairs under one roof.
furniture 35 years ago and export its products to the global market.
“Yothaka mainly exports to Europe, but current economic conditions have not been favourable,” he says. “However, southeast Asian markets such as Indonesia as well as China and India are rising to the occasion.”
The brand’s furniture is available for both residential and commercial purposes including appearances throughout the popular tv show The White Lotus.
“The show’s stylist came to Bangkok and she saw our furniture and loved it. They came to our showroom but didn’t tell me anything at all, I thought she was just another customer,” he laughs.
“We had to come up with two new colour collections especially for the show. After she had picked all the furniture she told me what it was for and I had to sign a confidentiality contract that I wouldn’t say anything until the show had aired.
“However, we can sell the furniture that has been featured to anyone we like, they don’t own the rights so to speak, so anyone can have a ‘piece’ of The White Lotus in their home.”
Another brand that uses water hyacinth to create its products is Munie, a local Thai company founded by Vilasinee Churat eight years ago.
“I used to travel from my house to university by boat and saw a lot of water hyacinth clogging the waterways and every year the government
There was plenty on offer for visitors at STYLE Bangkok
spent a lot of money to clean this up,” she explains.
“So I tried to do something different and use water hyacinth to create products with the support of the government.”
Munie stands for mankind, unity, natural, innovation and ecofriendly and the company creates products such as handbags, hats and sandals.
Besides environmental issues, Churat is also trying to solve the problem of the ageing society, she adds.
“In the north of Thailand we work with the local ageing community—people who used to work years ago but now have nothing to do, so we try to empower them, again, by providing jobs creating products for Munie.”
Churat is looking to export to Europe and Australia, which she says have similar values when it comes to sustainability and ecofriendly products.
“However, different countries have different rules and regulations regarding sustainability, so there is a lot of testing and paperwork involved before you can even think about exporting.”
According to Sunanta Kangvalkulkij, director-general, Department of International Trade Promotion (DITP) that organises STYLE Bangkok, Thai entrepreneurs are placing greater emphasis on design and sustainability.
“Sustainability is a key priority for Thailand—not only to protect the environment for future generations but also because today’s consumers increasingly value eco-conscious products,” she says. “The Thai government and the DITP actively encourage entrepreneurs to integrate sustainability into their businesses. At STYLE Bangkok, many exhibitors feature natural materials and circular design practices, reflecting the country’s commitment to environmentally responsible production.
“Thai products have gained distinct recognition leveraging Thailand’s strengths such as abundant raw materials, local craftsmanship and internationally appreciated design.”
Sustainability has always been a priority from day one for Angus Hutcheson, founder of Angoworld, who found his way to Bangkok after working in the UK as an
architect for over 20 years, where he had his own practice. The original plan was to move into furniture and lighting, however, he found quite a few people were already doing furniture but hardly anybody was doing lighting.
“We work with natural materials mostly although sometimes we use recycled plastic or fishing nets to create our pieces,” he explains.
Exhibiting at STYLE Bangkok for the second time, Angoworld mainly exports to Europe, India, Middle East, the US and Australia and New Zealand.
“We would like to do more in Australia and New Zealand and we are looking for a partner or distributor to take us to that next level.
“Southeast Asia is also a great and growing market for us.”
While more focused on hospitality and retail, you will still find Angoworld’s lighting in residential homes, especially in the US where the homes are big enough to show off the pieces, he says.
“I don’t really follow trends, I find my inspiration in nature or funny juxtapositions you stumble across. I’ve got lots of ideas and we are starting to do more installations as well, on the edge of fine art. So exciting things to come.”
Acclaimed names like Rati, Qualy and Amo Arte also captured buyers’ attention with sustainable collections crafted from Thai natural materials, resonating with global trends in conscious consumerism. Qualy takes sustainability very seriously,
which was visible at its factory just outside of Bangkok, where piles of waste were waiting to be reused and recycled through the production process to create new collections.
“We create two collections a year,” explains factory manager, Nutthachart Chankan. “One in the first quarter of the year and one in the third quarter. This was strategic at first as we lined them up with shows such as Ambiente and Maison&Objet.
“However, Covid changed this and now as soon as we have something new we release it online.”
Korakot
STYLE Bangkok
Opening ceremony at STYLE Bangkok
The name Qualy is short for quality and its products can be both decorative and functional at the same time, while being 100 per cent sustainable.
Most of the brand’s items feature animals as people can easily relate to them, everyone has their own favourites, adds Chankan.
“There is also an environmental element to it, for example, the whales and the pollution of our oceans. There is a story behind each of our designs which we try to tell through our products.”
For Qualy animals matter, for textile studio Her Works it’s all about bananas. While attending seminars overseas, founder and managing director Douangmany Heuangkhamsene (Toukta) noticed a rising concern for the environment and sustainability as well as an increasing interest in natural materials.
She wanted to apply those same principles to her products by improving production to become more sustainable and focus on raw materials such as banana trees.
“Nearby our workshop in Laos are many farms where they grow bananas for export,” she explains.
“After harvest they burn down the trees which is bad for the environment, so I found a way to reuse and upcycle this agricultural waste.
“Also, many artisans have to move to the city for work and we wanted to create work opportunities for them and preserve the local culture, so they can stay home with their families but also earn money using the skills that they have.
“That’s how it all started really, we wanted to use the raw materials that we have locally and providing artisans with work opportunities while creating products that are more contemporary for the export market,” she adds.
Her Works is dedicated to showcasing the artistry of women artisans.
“All our production and management teams are also women, which inspired the name of our business, Her Works, as we wanted to showcase their work.”
The business launched in 2016 in Laos and expanded into Thailand in 2023. At the start of Her Works Toukta mainly focused on cotton that the artisans grow themselves to
Dham Dai Dee
Skin & Tonic
One of the chairs that appeared in The White Lotus
Pharata
Touchable
create bags, shoes and apparel.
“I was travelling a lot and would see artisans with these amazing weaving skills and techniques. Not many people outside Laos and Thailand know about them, so I wanted to showcase the beautiful textiles they create to people who might have never seen their products before.”
Her Works collaborates with 10 different communities in both Thailand and Laos, however, for the export market she focuses on the communities near the workshop in Laos, so the team can monitor and quality control the processes.
While this was Her Works’ first time exhibiting at STYLE Bangkok, the brand participated in Maison&Objet in Paris a few years ago.
“We did receive some interest from buyers, but we weren’t quite ready yet for the European market.
“In the years following we learned how to
“That’s how it all started really, we wanted to use the raw materials that we have locally and providing artisans with work opportunities while creating products that are more contemporary for the export market.”
Ayodhya
Skin & Tonic
Quillberry
De Bua
Munie
manage the production and how to be more sustainable as well as be mindful of the safety of the workers and their working conditions to improve our overall rating and get us ready for the European market.
“We are currently looking for global export opportunities including Asia and Australia.”
STYLE Bangkok continues to champion diversity and opportunity in the design and export landscape, opening doors for manufacturers, exporters, emerging designers and regional entrepreneurs alike and providing a meaningful gateway for Thai talent to reach global markets.
“I instructed the Office of Commercial Affairs nationwide to identify and select high-potential local entrepreneurs from different regions of Thailand to take part in this year’s fair,” says Pichai.
“Many of the participating companies and community enterprises received an overwhelmingly positive response. I firmly believe that through close collaboration between the DITP and provincial commercial offices we can build stronger support networks to help local entrepreneurs scale up and compete in international markets more effectively.”
One of those entrepreneurs and first-time exhibitor is Met Hengtrakul of Quillberry, who started his label in 2008 with sustainable leather goods and bags made in his own small factory.
“I started sourcing this natural fibre from palm trees which we combine with real cowhide leather,” he says.
While Quillberry is more focused on retail with a store in Bangkok as well as some pop-ups including in Phuket, buyer interest at the fair from countries such as Hawaii and Japan is opening new markets for the brand.
“That’s why we are here at STYLE Bangkok, so we can turn our efforts to B2B and find buyers. I wanted to go into a new direction and as we are based in Bangkok, this fair was a good place to start and test the water.”
Hengtrakul and his mum design all items themselves and hire artists to create illustrations that get stitched onto the bags. Another new range includes leather charms featuring transport icons from around the world, also made from vegetable tan cowhide leather.
STYLE Bangkok 2025 features many Thai brands that are internationally competitive. In the beauty and wellness category, rati uses rare Thai botanicals and traditional techniques to create all-natural fragrances and skincare products. The founder developed the brand from a personal need to avoid synthetic chemicals, something that resonates with Skin & Tonic co-founder Earn.
Skin & Tonic is a clean and ecocentric beauty brand that selectively sources high-performance botanicals that are both effective and sustainable, using local ingredients and recycled materials for its packaging whenever possible.
“We launched the brand in 2020, at the beginning
Her Works
Angoworld
of Covid when me and my friend and cofounder moved back to Thailand from the US,” she explains.
“When I lived in Boston I was struggling a lot with acne and so we decided to launch a product that would help with this.
“The pillow spray line was inspired by one of our trusted aestheticians in New York City, who recommended that we include a sanitised spray to our beauty regimen for acne care. Since 2019, we have gone through a series of formulations and testing to create our antibacterial and antiacne pillow spray that works on all skin types.”
It was supposed to be just a fun project to get them through the Covid months, but it really took off and the duo decided to branch out into candles, diffusers and more, using only essential oils.
“The whole brand is about clean living, so we purposely pick everything that we ourselves would use. We have a magnesium spray in the making as well as fabric deodorant mist and detergent.”
Skin & Tonic is available in all the big shopping centres in Bangkok as well as luxury spas and even furniture stores. It’s the second time exhibiting at STYLE Bangkok for the brand.
“Even though we exhibited at Maison&Objet Paris for the past two years, in the current economic climate we are mainly focusing on the Thai market. While this was just meant to be temporary, we are looking forward to growing the brand in the coming years.”
Promoting Thai design and SMEs helps strengthen Thailand’s creative economy and global competitiveness, adds Kangvalkulkij.
Thai design is known for blending cultural heritage with contemporary style, resulting in products that are both distinctive and marketready. The DITP’s mission is to expand export markets and enhance the global competitiveness of Thai businesses.
“The DITP supports SMEs through a wide range of initiatives including the SME Proactive Program, which offers financial assistance for international trade show participation. This helps smaller brands build global presence, improve product design and strengthen branding.
“Programs like STYLE Bangkok provide exposure and help SMEs connect directly with international buyers. This comprehensive support helps elevate Thai entrepreneurs to become export-ready and globally competitive.” G
Sonite Decor
Quillberry
A Gift From Nature Co
TRAVELessentials
With Aussies’ passion for travel alive and well, we share some trends retailers should look out for to match their in-store offering.
More than three quarters (78 per cent) of Australians plan to take up to three holidays this year, signalling a strong appetite for both local and international getaways.
According to American Express’ 2025 Global Travel Trends Report, many Australians are not only planning to travel more but want to travel smarter by selecting destinations that offer the best value as well as curated, unique experiences.
For domestic trips, 51 per cent of Aussies will travel just as much as they did in 2024, while 34 per cent are planning to travel even more. For international travel, 43 per cent will maintain their usual travel habits, with approximately one-third (34 per cent) saying they will venture abroad more frequently this year.
Tiny tour guides: kids helping to curate travel plans
Many kids are now having a greater influence on family holidays with 59 per cent of Australian parents agreeing that their children help inform travel decisions. Forty-one per cent of parents say their kids help inform trip activities, with 31 per cent allowing their children to help pick the destination.
This isn’t just a phenomenon in Australia. Globally 68 per cent of Gen Z and Millennial parents report that their children play a key role in planning holidays, compared to 56 per cent of Gen X and Baby Boomer parents.
With kids in the driver’s seat, family-friendly travel is booming. Seventy-seven per cent of Aussie families prefer destinations that are familycentric and have activities for all ages. Intriguingly this finding excludes cruising and resort holidays.
“This year our Global Travel Trends Report shows that children are playing a key role in influencing their parents’ travel decisions and helping to shape unforgettable family holidays,” Corinne Ng, vice president and general manager of American Express Travel and Lifestyle Services, says.
Flights for festivals, passports for playoffs
From sold-out concerts to global sporting finals, Aussies are turning their favourite events into their ultimate travel experiences.
Nearly half (46 per cent) plan to book a trip this year to attend an entertainment event. For 44 per cent of travellers, it’s about sharing the experience with friends and family, while 40 per cent are committing to the adventure as dedicated fans.
The trend of travelling for event experiences is taking off globally, with more than half (53 per cent) of adults worldwide planning a trip around entertainment events in 2025.
“As many Aussies prioritise experiences, live events are becoming the ultimate excuse to explore new destinations and celebrate passions to make lasting memories,” Ng reveals.
Tap to takeoff: turning everyday spending into dream holidays
Aussies are becoming savvy travel hackers, with 44 per cent planning to use points for travel this year. They’re redeeming reward points earned on everyday expenses such as groceries, coffees and subscriptions for flights, hotels and upgrades. Also, Gen Z and Millennials are leading the trend of maximising travel reward benefits by linking their credit card to streaming services (20 per cent) like Netflix or dining partners (18 per cent) such as Uber Eats.
With so many Australians actively using credit card rewards and loyalty programs to maximise travel benefits, the report shows that travel hacking has firmly established itself as a popular and strategic approach to securing better travel experiences.
“When used responsibly, credit cards can be a great way to earn points for travel, especially cards that offer flexibility to transfer points across airlines,” Ng shares.
“Sixty per cent believe combining credit card points with loyalty programs gives the best value for international travel and 48 per cent report they’re likely to stack travel benefits from multiple loyalty programs to potentially get the best experience across flights and accommodation.”
Tailor-made travel: smarter holiday planning for Aussies
Aussies are taking a more personalised and tech-savvy approach to travel this year, blending AI powered tools with trusted recommendations.
Seventy per cent of Australians say Generative AI (GenAI) is useful in booking their trip, particularly for activity recommendations (34 per cent) when planning. GenAI is also being frequently leveraged for budget management, translation assistance and itinerary building.
However, traditional sources like reviews (44 per cent), friends and family recommendations (43 per cent) and travel agents (29 per cent) remain strong influences for travel.
When it comes to planning their holiday, 48 per cent of Australians seek advice from friends and family while 45 per cent turn to online travel guides to learn about their intended destination prior to their trip.
But it’s not just about choosing the destination, it’s also how about how they spend their time, with 33 per cent of Aussies researching local businesses located at their intended destination before they even leave home.
“It’s clear that Aussies are redefining travel by prioritising meaningful experiences, maximising reward points and blending technology with personal insights. From kids influencing family trips to booking holidays around live events, travel is more intentional than ever,”
Ng concludes.
“The American Express 2025 Global Travel Trends Report highlights how important travel is to Australians and how planning every trip is now smarter, more rewarding and personal.” G
Aussies are taking a more personalised and tech-savvy approach to travel Image: iStock - Halfpoint
Artificial intelligence (AI) isn’t just for tech giants anymore.
Increasingly, Australian small and medium businesses are embracing AI to reduce admin headaches, lift productivity and make themselves more resilient—and more attractive—when it’s time to sell. But how do you know if now’s the right time to get started?
According to AI business strategist, keynote speaker and author of AI & U: Reimagine Business, Tracy Sheen, there are nine signs your business might be primed to harness AI as she shows how SMEs across industries are already using it to gain back time, save money and future-proof their operations.
You’re spending too much time on admin
If your team is stuck in spreadsheets, chasing signatures or wading through email threads, AI can help you reclaim precious hours. A Sydney-based HR firm implemented an AI tool to summarise meeting notes and draft follow-up emails. What used to take two hours per client now takes 20 minutes— freeing up staff for higher-value advisory work. According to Xero’s Future Focus AI research, 80 per cent of small business owners are concerned AI development and adoption are outpacing regulation, highlighting the need for more knowledge and tools to ensure small businesses aren’t left behind.
Your systems don’t talk to each other
Disconnected CRMs, finance platforms and inventory systems mean lost time—and missed insights. A regional wholesaler used a low-cost AI integration to sync their sales, inventory and reordering systems. They cut stock losses by 30 per cent, boosting cash flow and improving customer satisfaction. With the average SME using over 10 digital tools, smart integrations are no longer a luxury—they’re a must-have for growth.
Customers want faster, smarter service
AI-powered chat assistants and email triage tools can handle everyday queries around the clock, without adding headcount. A boutique ecommerce brand installed an AI chatbot to handle questions around shipping and returns. It now resolves 70 per cent of enquiries without human input, improving both response times and buyer satisfaction.
Your team’s doing work they dislike
Nobody wakes up excited to do data entry, reformat reports or chase overdue forms. That’s prime territory for automation. A Melbourne law firm now uses AI to generate firstdraft contracts from client input. Lawyers just review and tweak, reducing turnaround time and boosting morale. Fewer groans. More wins.
You’ve got data but no insights
If you’re collecting data but not using it to make better decisions, AI can help you turn ‘just numbers’ into strategy. One hospitality group used AI to forecast rosters based on bookings, events and weather. They reduced casual staffing costs by 15 per cent without sacrificing service quality.
You’re preparing to scale or sell
Efficient, well-documented and systemised operations are a big tick for potential buyers.
A specialty food manufacturer prepping for sale used AI to automate order processing and margin tracking. Not only did it improve profitability, but it helped the business stand out during due diligence.
Your team is open to change
Even the best tech fails without buy-in. If your people are already embracing digital tools, AI adoption becomes easier and more effective. Start small. Pick a low-risk task. Share the early wins and involve your team in shaping how AI is used.
You’re struggling to keep up with content demands
From social posts to product descriptions and proposals, content creation can eat up hours each week. A Brisbane-based marketing consultant now uses an AI writing assistant to generate first drafts for blog posts, captions and sales emails. It doesn’t replace her voice but it gives her a head start and saves around five to seven hours a week. In a world of ‘always-on’ marketing, AI can help you stay visible without burning out.
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You want to make better decisions, faster
AI in small business isn’t about replacing people—it’s about removing the digital drudgery so your team can focus on what really matters. From reducing admin burden to improving customer service, AI can be a lever for growth, resilience and longterm value. And in a climate where time, talent and margin are all under pressure, the real risk might be doing nothing at all. G 2 3
AI tools can help you spot trends, prioritise work and automate routine decisions so you can focus on strategy.
A Perth trades business started using a task automation tool powered by AI to flag overdue quotes, track lead response times and suggest pricing adjustments based on win/loss data. Result?
A 12 per cent lift in conversion rates within two months. The faster you can make informed decisions, the more competitive you become.
Image: iStock - Khanchit Khirisutchalual
LOCATION, LOCATION
LOCATION
HKTDC’s April lifestyle fairs showcased cultural and creative design excellence for gifts and home products and sustainable trends in the fashion sector.
With an increase in attendance, the co-location of lifestyle fairs Gifts & Premium, Home InStyle and Fashion InStyle paid off for organiser Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC).
The Hong Kong Gifts & Premium Fair recorded some 36,000 buyers, Home InStyle attracted over 20,000 buyers and Fashion InStyle drew more than 11,000 buyers.
The lifestyle fairs were held in conjunction with Hong Kong International Printing & Packaging Fair and DeLuxe PrintPack Hong Kong as well as the Hong Kong International Licensing Show and the Asian Licensing Conference.
The seven major events held in late April this year brought together some 6,000 exhibitors from over 30 countries and regions.
“Despite the current challenges in the global economic and trade environment, we actively attracted buyers to our fairs to enhance trade resilience and assist exhibitors in gaining a foothold in new markets such as the Middle East and ASEAN regions,” Sophia Chong, HKTDC deputy executive director, says.
“The HKTDC remains committed to promoting crosssector and international trade cooperation among exhibitors, reinforcing Hong Kong’s position as an international trade hub and showcasing its unique advantage in building connections regionally and globally.”
To gain deeper insights into current trends in the lifestyle products industry, the HKTDC conducted a survey of 1,583 exhibitors and buyers at Gifts & Premium, Home InStyle and Fashion InStyle.
Nearly half of respondents (49.2 per cent) expect their overall sales will rise in the next one to two years, while 44.5 per cent foresees that sales will remain stable. The greatest challenges identified are growing protectionist measures (45.7 per cent), fluctuations in the global economy (43.3 per cent) and the impact of inflation (32 per cent).
Camel Okasa
Home InStyle
MYCL
In the gifts and premium market, respondents believe cultural gifts (17.6 per cent), tech gifts (17 per cent) and fashion accessories (16.9 per cent) have the most growth potential.
In the furniture and houseware market, smart home technology (21 per cent), designer furniture and houseware products (17 per cent) and kitchenware and tableware (15.7 per cent) are considered to have the most growth potential.
Jimmy Lo, business strategy manager of Homelover Products, a Hong Kong exhibitor at Home InStyle, says the number of new buyers visiting his stand has doubled compared to last year’s show, coming mainly from Asia, the Middle East and South America.
“The fair attracted fashion buyers and also drew a children’s product exhibitor’s interest in partnering with us to develop eco-friendly tableware,” he enthuses.
“It is expected that this fair will bring us approximately US$100,000 in sales.”
Homelover Products manufactures homewares and kitchenware and while the business started with stainless steel, it has now moved into ecofriendly products made out of rice husk and oyster shells.
“Our rice husk products are completely plastic free, however, it is difficult to change its (brownish) colour and bleach it. This is why in the last year or so we started using oyster shells, which are easier to use food grade colouring on.”
The brand believes in upcycling, taking agricultural by-products that are not used and can be harmful to the environment and give it a second life. Homelover Products controls the whole production chain from the raw materials to the actual product.
“We have done all the tests required for Australia, UK, etc to proof our products are safe for human consumption and ready for export. There is no greenwashing here.”
Hong Kong exhibitor Moral Team Holdings has participated in Gifts & Premium for 17 years, focusing on the development of eco-friendly bags.
With the new US tariff policies impacting 10 per cent of its export share, the popular brand has decided to focus more on the Asian market at this stage, says marketing and ecommerce manager, Charlotte Chui.
“The Gifts & Premium Fair has provided us with a platform to connect with buyers from Japan, Singapore and Taiwan,” she explains.
“Our mid- to long-term plan is expanding into the Australian and European markets. The concurrent fairs have attracted interest from fashion and houseware buyers. On the first day alone, we secured several orders from the Asian market and anticipate achieving total sales of over US$500,000 at the fair.”
Cultural and creative products that combine design and functionality attracted significant attention from buyers.
“We showcased our patented heat-conductive smart textile technology products in the Cultural and Creative Avenue and Gerontech Living Pavilion,” Stanley Kwok, director of KnitWarm, a Hong Kong exhibitor at Home InStyle, says.
“Buyers from Japan, Mainland China, Malaysia, Singapore, the UK and the US as well as social workers in Hong Kong, have expressed interest in our four-in-one warmer blanket cushions and warmer band series. We are confident that the fair will generate at least US$200,000 in sales for our company.”
Taiwan buyer William Wu, owner of Royal Best Group Corp, was impressed by the home trends highlighted in the collaboration between the Cultural and Creative Avenue and Pantone.
“I connected with exhibitors from the Czech Republic, Taiwan, Hong Kong and
AltMat
Pigmentarium Homelover Products Woodsun
Karlsson x Pantone
HK lifestyle fairs
more and plan to make purchases of houseware products totalling US$50,000 to US$100,000 this year,” he says.
“I’m particularly interested in the Czech incense stick holder from Pigmentarium and look forward to future collaboration opportunities.”
First-time exhibitor Pigmentarium is a Prague based brand launched in 2018, focusing on high quality fragrances and scented incense sticks. It currently has eight fragrances in its portfolio.
“We created porcelain holders to add something unique to the collection [of incense sticks], finished with metal and available in two different shapes,” says founder and CEO, Tomas Ric.
Pigmentarium is currently available in 23 countries, collaborating with 35 stores and looking for more partners at the fair including concept and department stores as well as perfumeries.
“In July we will be launching in homewares store Bedouin Traders (Queensland) in Australia, which is very exciting. I haven’t been to Australia before, so this is a great opportunity.”
This year saw the launch of NEXT@ Fashion InStyle at Fashion InStyle, which was dedicated to establishing a collaborative platform for sustainable and new materials for buyers and exhibitors as well as designer brands, successfully connecting a buyer from Malaysia, Richard Tsen, founder of CollbStore, with Indonesian exhibitor PT Miko Bahtera Nusantara (MYCL).
“I am very interested in the company’s mushroom leather material and was amazed by its solidness and coating after the baking process,” enthuses Tsen.
“This inspired me to apply it to my designer label. I also referred them to the Malaysian Furniture Design Institute to let them explore the creation of mushroom leather furniture. I believe it has the potential to make a significant impact and resonate within the Malaysian and wider Asian market.”
Founded in 2015 by mushroom farmers, MYCL uses the root part of mushrooms, mycelium, to create its leather.
“Mylea is our main product, a mushroom leather we sell B2B to our clients which they use to create their products,” says cofounder and chief operation officer, Robbi Zidna Ilman.
“We do make small leather goods ourselves which we sell as merchandise, so companies can put their own logo on them and use as corporate gifts, for example.”
MYCL’s main markets include Japan, Australia, New Zealand, the US and Singapore.
“At the fair there has been a lot of interest from Australia, Hungary, Budapest, Russia,
Topchoice Industries
MYCL
Meowkit
Artiseme
Hong Kong, China and US, looking for a sustainable alternative to animal leather.”
While the HK fair is the second time MYCL is exhibiting, its first showing was in Melbourne last year at the Global Sourcing Fair.
“We love the NEXT@Fashion InStyle initiative which highlights new materials like mushroom leather. It’s great and there has been a lot of support,” Ilman adds.
The next step in the brand’s journey is developing algae ie seaweed to replace plastic.
In a similar style, AltMat sells fibres to other brands from which they create their own products.
“We are a fibre manufacturing company based in India,” says founder and CEO Shikha Shah.
“We take the agricultural stems or residue that are otherwise discarded by the farmers and convert them into fibres of a cotton or linen-like structure. We then work with partners worldwide that turn them into garments and fabrics.”
AltMat works with big brands such Nike and Zara and is looking to expand into Australia.
“I’m a big fan of some of the Australian brands, their designs are really elegant
and the people are knowledgeable about sustainability so you don’t need to reeducate them on why it’s so important.”
Shah comes from a family of entrepreneurs and she always wanted to build a business where she could combine goodness and profits.
“One of my under-graduate projects was in textiles. It’s ironic that as Gen Z we love climate and fashion together—we go to climate rallies wearing the worst of fashion. That stuck with me and I kept researching. For my post-graduate I went to the US and one of my side projects was in agriculture and that’s where I got into what we are doing today with AltMat.”
Overall, this year’s lifestyle fairs offered buyers a one-stop, diverse sourcing experience, helping industry players explore cross-sector and crossdisciplinary business opportunities and creating synergies.
“The HKTDC remains committed to supporting exhibitors’ needs to help them upgrade and transform their businesses, while enhancing the overall quality of our exhibitions to provide a premier platform for cultural and creative design that can reinforce Hong Kong’s position as a leading regional creative hub,” Chong adds. G
Home InStyle
Home InStyle
Fashion InStyle
Fashion InStyle Home InStyle
Camel stand at Gifts & Premium
Pigmentarium HK lifestyle fairs
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Products to take your store from autumn into winter
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1. Zinc striped oblong pots, set of 3 wholesales for $120. Alfresco Gardenware, 03 9118 4333, service@alfrescogardenware.com.au, www.alfrescogardenware.com, www.facebook.com/alfrescogardenware, www.instagram.com/alfrescogardenware
2. Ace backgammon set, wholesales for $727.25. Royal Selangor, 03 8797 0750, sales.au@royalselangor.com, www.royalselangor.com, www.facebook.com/RoyalSelangor, www.instagram.com/royalselangor 3. Pet Botanica dry shampoo powder for dogs, wholesales from $11.50. Krystal Glanville, 0418 512 465, hello@petbotanica.com.au, petbotanica.com.au, www.facebook.com/petbotanica, www.instagram.com/petbotanica 4. Brighton NZ wool throw blanket, wholesales for $75. Codu, 1800 002 638, info@codu.com.au, www.codu.com.au, www.facebook.com/coduhome , www.instagram.com/coduhome_ 5. Side table, wholesales for $149. Phil Bee Interiors, 03 9585 8599, info@philbee.com.au, www.philbee.com.au, www.facebook.com/PhilBeeAustralia, www.instagram.com/philbeeinteriors 6. Essence triangle scarf/shawl, wholesales for $11.95. Gibson Gifts, enquiries@gibsongifts.com.au, gibsongifts.com.au
