Jiading plans to set up new fashion hub
11/4/2005 9:54
Shanghai Daily news
Having benefited greatly from last year's Formula One Race, Jiading
District is looking to expand its role in the city's fashion, sports and
tertiary industries. While plans have been set up for several projects,
including a new fashion hub in the district, no timetables have been set as of
yet. More sport facilities are likely to be launched near the Shanghai
Circuit as the district hopes to provide more chances for residents to view and
take part in various sporting events. Officials from Shanghai Jiading New City
Co Ltd, one of the projects' organizers, say they are talking to one of the
biggest sports companies in China, but said it is far too early to give the
company's name or discuss their plans. A fashion hub, complete with a large
amount of space for design studios, is also expected to be set up in the
district. Neighboring to the Shanghai Circuit race track, various stadiums,
fashion design studios as well as exhibition and trade centers are planed to be
opened. The area will mainly focus on fashions for the young. "Young
people's consuming attitude is quite different from their parents' generation,"
said an official working on the project. "They are willing to spend a
considerable sum of money to watch exciting games and buy high-end
brands." Shanghai new Jiading City Development is said to be in talks with
several international fashion companies about helping set up the fashion
hub. However, the company said it is still too early to release the names of
the companies it is talking with. The company denied industry speculation
that when completed, the fashion hub will be in competition with Nanjing Road W.
in Jing'an District, the busiest shopping area in the city with Shanghai's most
luxurious boutiques and plazas. "Our aims are quite different. Nanjing Road
W. is a busy commercial hub, while ours targets fashion designs and shows since
our blocks are not so crowded," said the anonymous staff member. Real estate
is too expensive on Nanjing Road for designers to set up large studios, but
prices should be much cheaper near the Shanghai Circuit, giving the area a huge
advantage in attracting designers, industry insiders said. Compared with the
district's northern part, the southern area is home to large barren lands which
are waiting for new development. The district recently held a final model
contest as a prelude for Shanghai Fashion Week. The fashion week, which will
include costume shows, promotions and design competitions, will be held from
April 12 to April 28. While the district is a short trip from downtown, it is
very convenient for people from Zhejiang Province and Jiangsu
Province. Officials in charge of the projects said the planned fashion hub
will not only bring in revenues, it will also push forward the dream of some
national designers who want to use the stage to design a popular Chinese attire,
fully representing the country's cultural traditions.
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