HSBC launches “Fashion Festival” in Sri Lanka

Monday, 24 March 2014 00:02 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

HSBC has introduced many novel concepts in Sri Lanka and continues to be a trendsetter in the local retail space that is associated with customer lifestyles. Being the market leader in credit cards, HSBC aims to take fashion to the mainstream audiences in Sri Lanka with the launch of another new initiative -’HSBC Fashion Festival’ (HFF). The Festival scheduled from 24 March until 12 April 2014, will bring together 30 top fashion retailers in the country, supported by consumer promotions that will focus on providing tips and timely advice on fashion from Sri Lanka’s most respected fashion gurus. The festival will feature three weeks of exciting activities leading up to the Avurudu season, with each week focusing on a different category of fashion. Most importantly, cardholders will be entitled to a special 20% saving across all fashion partner outlets. Running from 24 to 30 March, the focus will be men’s wear featuring formal/casual wear at Arugambay, Abstract, Brands Warehouse, Brands Boutique, Hameedia, TFO and United Colours of Benetton.

This will be followed by an accessories and style week for both men/women from 31 March - 6 April 2014 showcasing watches, shades/eyewear, fitness wear, resort wear, hair care and wellbeing to many others at Adidas, Arugambay, Abstract, Azmaara Spa, Ariyanna Spa, Tag Heuer and Raymond Weil by CJS, Crocodile, DSI, Eric Rajapakse Opticians, Estheti Centre, FILA, Leather Collection, Baume & Mercier, Mont Blanc and 88 ru du rhone, PUMA, Ramani Fernando Salons, The Parfumerie, Paris Gallery, United Colours of Benetton and Vision Care. In addition, the bank will hold the first ever “Fashion Hawker Street” – a two day consumer promotion from 4-5 April 2014 at the Race Course shopping precinct in Colombo, where customers will be able to visit many retail stalls and experience retail therapy with free expert advice from fashion gurus and subject matter experts combined with great entertainment from 4:30 p.m. until 10:30 p.m. The final week will bring out the latest fashion trends for women in casual/formal wear from 7-12 April 2014 at Abstract, Aashkii, Brands Warehouse, Bella Vita, Cotton Collection, Crocodile, Little Asia Emporium, Lift Designer Wear, Midnightdivas, MONDY, TFO and United Colours of Benetton. Head of Retail Banking and Wealth Management Nilantha Bastian, stated: “As the market leader in credit cards HSBC has always been at the forefront of innovation and a trendsetter in the retail space. We have introduced many groundbreaking initiatives that are relevant to our customers’ lifestyles. HSBC Fashion Festival, another first in Sri Lanka, together with top fashion retailers in the country, will seek to enhance fashion among all Sri Lankans and give customers the opportunity to look at themselves as fashion icons.” He added: “We see fashion to be a growing lifestyle trend among the upper and middle segment in Sri Lanka. We envisage HSBC Fashion Festival will provide the opportunity for more customers to be part of this growing trend by purchasing the latest designs and accessories with their credit card.” To further amplify HFF, consumer activations will be conducted at shopping malls in Colombo where notable fashion gurus will select the ‘Top Ten Best Dressed’ men and women. “Managing Director of Cotton Collection and Leather Collection, Niloufer Anverally, said: “We are delighted to be a part of this festival as it supports our brand value of not only offering customers a basket of goods, but a sensational shopping experience. Cotton Collection and Leather collection are all about giving individuals a fashion platform to express their personality and style. Through our own label COCO and all the foreign and designer labels we carry, we do our best to provide our customers with a larger variety of choice and keep them up to date with international trends.” Fouzul Hameed, MD of Hameedia expressing his views said: “Men’s fashion has made giant strides in Sri Lanka. Our experience clearly shows that the Sri Lankan man is increasingly becoming more fashion conscious and we are proud to say that we have taken many initiatives to take men’s fashion in the island through to the mainstream audience. Hameedia is delighted to be associated with HSBC’s latest project, the HSBC Fashion Festival and partner with them to educate advice and inspire Sri Lankan men’s fashion, as we progress as a nation.” Leading beautician Ramani Fernando of Ramani Fernando Salons & Spa commented: “Beauty and fashion I would say go hand in hand as you require both to complete the overall look. We are happy to be part of the HSBC Fashion Festival and work together to provide tips and expertise in grooming for women. We hope this platform will help instil confidence and create awareness on proper hair care and skin care routines and encourage women to be more proactive in looking after their overall appearance.” Akram Cassim, CEO, Colombo Jewellery Stores stated: “A watch is the single most important accessory a man can own and the most important attribute of a watch that drives value is the brand. CJS is happy to collaborate with HSBC on this new initiative to offer a selection of watches to suit the lifestyle and taste of Sri Lankans and provide advice on choosing the right type of watch to buy that complements style and sophistication.” The bank also believes that the growth in the domestic economy in recent years has brought about change in consumer lifestyles, indicating that consumers will focus more on travel, fashion, fitness, wellbeing and other lifestyle requirements.