Source: New Zealand Police (National News)
One person has died in a single-vehicle crash yesterday on State Highway 15 at Tangiteroria, in Kaipara.
Police were notified of the crash about 6.30pm, after the vehicle was discovered off the road by a passing motorist.
The Serious Crash Unit has examined the scene, and enquiries into the circumstances of the crash are ongoing.
ENDS
Issued by Police Media Centre
The housing market looks set to remain relatively static throughout the opening months of 2025, following yet another flat quarter.
Our latest QV House Price Index shows residential property values edged upwards by an average of just 0.1% nationally in the December quarter, which was not enough to finish the year in the black. The average home is now worth $902,414, which is 0.3% less than at the start of 2024 and 15.2% below the market’s peak just over three years ago.
Now that flattening trend looks set to continue throughout the early part of 2025, with little evidence to suggest that property values are set to grow substantially this summer, according to QV operations manager James Wilson.
“It’s been ‘steady as she goes’ throughout much of last year, and it looks like it’s going to stay that way for a while yet. It’s a new year, but the same restraining factors are still very much at play – including sustained weakness in the labour market, a high cost of living, credit constraints, and a surplus of properties for sale on the market today,” he said.
“The marked uplift in demand for housing that has come as a direct a result of falling interest rates hasn’t yet converted into any significant price pressure, so we’re only seeing very small pockets of growth. However, we also haven’t seen quite so many reductions this quarter in particular, which indicates that we’re now at or very close to equilibrium in the market.”
Indeed, just three of the main urban areas we monitor experienced relatively modest reductions in average home value last quarter – Rotorua (-2.3%), Marlborough (-0.7%) and Queenstown (-1.4%). Average home values increased modestly everywhere else, including in Auckland (1.3%), Wellington (0.4%), and Christchurch (1.1%).
That means seven of New Zealand Aotearoa’s main urban centres will now start 2025 with their average home values sitting marginally higher than at the start of the year prior. They are Hamilton (0.6%), New Plymouth (2%), Nelson (0.6%), Christchurch (1.8%), Queenstown (2.5%), Dunedin (2.9%), and Invercargill (3.9%).
“In the longer term, I expect we will see more growth this year than last, but with rising unemployment and such a high level of economic uncertainty, there are currently no indications that house prices are suddenly going to go from flat to flat-out in the immediate future,” said Mr Wilson.
“We can expect to see more investors return to the market throughout 2025, especially if interest rates drop markedly further. That will put a bit of price pressure on first-home buyers, who have picked up a larger share of the market in recent times. But it looks as though the economy is still in a dark place right now, and debt to income ratios should still keep a lid on things in the year ahead.”
Northland
Northland ended 2024 with its average home value down 2% for the year.
This is despite a small amount of growth in the December quarter, with values rising by an average of 1.9% throughout the region. The average home value is now $723,235.
Of the three local council areas that make up the wider Northland region, home values were flattest in the Far North, where the average value reduced by just 0.3% to $694,386 last year. This is compared to average annual reductions of 2.7% in Whangarei and 3.1% in Kaipara.
Auckland
Residential property values in Auckland finished last year 3.1% lower on average, despite a small amount of growth in the final quarter of 2024.
All seven of the Super City’s former local council areas recorded modest growth throughout the three months to the end of December. Home values on the North Shore (3%) increased the most on average this quarter, while home values in Auckland City (0.9%) and Papakura (0.4%) increased the least.
Only home values in Franklin finished 2024 slightly higher than at the start of the year, with its average home value climbing just 0.6% annually to $890,869. Manukau (-5.8%) recorded the largest average annual home value reduction last year.
Tauranga
Tauranga experienced small home value reductions in seven out of the past 12 months, but finished 2024 with consecutive months of modest growth.
As a result, the city recorded a small amount of home value growth this quarter, but it wasn’t enough to finish the year in the black. The city’s average home is now worth precisely $1,018,936; up 1.4% for the quarter, but down 1.6% annually.
Hamilton
Hamilton’s average home value finished 2024 in the black, following a positive December quarter.
The city’s average home increased in value by 2.3% throughout the last three months to finish the year at $789,995. That figure is now 0.6% higher than at the start of the 2024 calendar year.
Taranaki
Home values increased across the wider Taranaki region in the December quarter.
New Plymouth’s average home increased in value by 1% to $721,366. That figure is 2% higher than at the start of 2024.The average home value also increased by 3.7% to $491,728 in Stratford, and by 2.8% to $442,670 in South Taranaki.
Hawke’s Bay
Home values in Napier and Hastings finished 2024 lower than when it started.
These neighbouring cities saw their values reduce by 0.5% and 1.3% respectively last year, despite a small amount of growth in the final quarter.
Napier’s average home value is now $749,927, which is up 2.9% for the quarter. In Hastings, the average home value is $782,413, up 1% for the quarter.
Palmerston North
Property values in Palmerston North are just 1% lower on average than at the same time last year.
The city’s average value is now $636,076, following a small 1.1% increase over the final quarter of 2024.
Local QV registered valuer Olivia Betts said the property market had been relatively stable since June 2023 – a trend that she expected would continue into 2025.
“The housing market is expected to remain relatively steady overall in 2025. Interest rates have decreased, which has helped to improve affordability – although there may still be a significant number of fixed-rate mortgages coming to an end, which could affect market dynamics,” she said.
Wairarapa
Property values grew by an average of 2.9% across the Wairarapa last year.
South Wairarapa saw the most growth on average; its average home value increased by 3.6% to $780,327. Masterton wasn’t far behind, growing 3.3% annually to $580,866. Home values in Carterton, meanwhile, increased by 0.7% annually to reach a new average of $633,399.
Wellington
The average home in Wellington is now worth 2% less than at the start of last year.
The average value is now $841,489, following a modest 0.4% increase over the final quarter of 2024 – the region’s first quarterly growth since April.
However, home values continued to weaken in Porirua (-0.5%), Upper Hutt (-0.3%) and Wellington City (-0.3%) throughout the three months to the end of December.
“The property market in Wellington softened over much of 2024 on the back of tough economic and employment conditions and high stock levels. However, the final month of the year recorded some very slight positive value growth,” said local QV senior consultant David Cornford.
“Value declines now appear to be behind us and a more stable market seems to be emerging. Market activity gained some traction in the final months of the year and there are early signs of investors now starting to re-enter the market after a long absence.”
“Interest rates have declined, improving affordability. However, we expect high supply to offset any meaningful value growth in the first few months of the year. As such, it’s likely that it will continue to be a buyers’ market in the short term, until stock levels decrease in the region,” he concluded.
Nelson
Nelson’s residential property values have risen slightly for the third month in a row.
The city’s average home increased in value by 0.7% to $781,940 last quarter, including by 0.2% in the month of December itself. It means the average home did little better than break even in 2024, with annual growth sitting at 0.6%.
“Last year saw house prices remain generally stable across the region. There was an increase in properties available on the market, with sales volumes still being relatively subdued overall,” said QV Nelson/Marlborough manager Craig Russell.
“Now as 2025 gets underway, recessionary pressures are continuing to impact housing affordability, and serviceability remains difficult, despite the gradual easing of interest rates in the latter part of last year. Given the high levels of inventory, we expect the housing market to continue to be subdued for the first part of 2025, with potential for modest gains in the latter part of the year.”
“Insurance was a big focus in 2024, and is likely to be so again in 2025, with the ability to obtain finance and insurance now and into the future being key drivers in value,” Mr Russell concluded.
West Coast
Home values on the West Coast finished last year 11.3% higher on average.
Breaking it down by district, Grey experienced the most growth in 2024 – its average home value increased by 16.7% to $453,545. Buller’s average home value increased by 9.3% annually to $377,808, and Westland’s average increase and home value was 5.3% and $465,087 respectively.
Home value growth continues to fluctuate from month to month due to low sales volumes. However, the latest QV House Price Index shows values increased across the region last quarter by 5.9%, compared to a national average increase of just 0.1%.
Canterbury
The Canterbury region ended 2024 on a positive note, with the residential property market averaging 1.8% value growth over the calendar year.
At the district level, Ashburton experienced the largest amount of home value growth in the Canterbury region last year, increasing by 6.5% to $575,108. Waimakariri recorded the least growth; its average home value neither increased nor decreased at $712,876.
There was modest growth everywhere except Mackenzie (-0.8%) and Waimate (-0.5%) in the December quarter, with Christchurch’s average home value increasing by 1.1% to $766,388. Selwyn (0.2%), Waimakariri (0.4%) and Hurunui (0.6%) also experienced modest growth.
QV senior consultant Olivia Brownie said the local housing market was now in equilibrium, showing stability and resilience once more. “After seeing a peak of high interest rates and an overall slowdown in the property market, we ended the year with our steady economy and employment environment in Canterbury providing stability for the market.”
“With the appeal of yet more new amenities on the horizon in Christchurch and increasing new migrants to the region, we expect 2025 to see more value growth in the residential property market,” she added.
Otago
The average home value has strengthened ever so slightly across the greater Otago region.
Our latest QV House Price Index shows values have increased this quarter in Central Otago and Dunedin by 2.9% and 1.1% in respectively, and decreased in Waitaki and Clutha by 1.5% and 0.8% respectively.
However, home values in all districts will start the year higher on average than they were one year ago. Clutha (5.5%) recorded the most growth annually in 2024, followed by Waitaki (4.4%), and Central Otago (3.3%).
In Dunedin, the average home value increased by 2.9% last year to $645,378. Of the main urban areas we monitor, only Invercargill (3.9%) recorded more growth in 2024.
“The property market in Dunedin has been relatively stable compared to other New Zealand cities,” said local QV registered valuer Rebecca Johnston. “Its average home value increased by 2.9% annually, in contrast with declines in markets like Auckland and Wellington.”
“Looking to the year ahead, we expect similar positive house price growth within the 3-4% range due to an improving economic climate, lower interest rates, and continuing infrastructure projects.”
Queenstown
Queenstown’s housing market ended 2024 with a small dip.
Our latest figures show the average home value decreased by 1.4% to $1,821,424 in the December quarter. However, that figure still ended the year 2.5% higher than it started.
Invercargill
Invercargill experienced more home value growth on average last year than any of New Zealand Aotearoa’s other large urban areas.
The city’s average home value increased by 3.9% annually to reach $495,947, including by 1.9% in the final quarter of the year.
That is slightly more growth than in 2023, when the average home value increased by 2.3% annually, and significantly more than in 2022, when values reduced by an average of 4.1% annually.
Source: Media Outreach
Distinguished guests including Mr. Cheang Kai Meng, Vice President of the Cultural Affairs Bureau of the Macao SAR Government (middle), Ms. Jennifer Si Tou, Head of Tourism Product and Events Department of the Macao Government Tourism Office (third from left), curator Mr. Gary Mok (first from right), artists Ms. Sanchia Lau (first from left) and Mr. Ray Chan (second from right), Mr. Buddy Lam, Director of Corporate Affairs of GEG (third from right) and Ms. Hazel Wong, Executive Vice President of Retail of GEG (second from left), honored the opening ceremony of the Boom and Bloom Exhibition with their presence.
Curator Mr. Gary Mok, artists Sanchia Lau and Ray Chan have joined forces for the first time to merge their well acclaimed artistic IPs — Wishing Doll and Shake Money Tree.
The Boom and Bloom Exhibition showcases three specially commissioned thematic artworks —Boom and Bloom, A Propitious Omen, Joy and Glory— exclusively created for Galaxy Entertainment Group and premiering for the first time in Macau.
GalaxyArt unveiled an exclusive art boutique, offering a curated collection of meticulously crafted merchandise and limited-edition blind boxes by the featured artists, inviting guests to bring home a piece of this artistic journey.
On the opening day, students from the local universities joined the artists for a special sharing session.
Exhibition Details
Hashtag: #GalaxyMacau
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
– Published and distributed with permission of Media-Outreach.com.
Source: Media Outreach
SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 20 January 2025 – The Institute of Singapore Chartered Accountants (ISCA) will be setting aside up to $6 million in associated costs and subsidies to launch the Polytechnic Pathway Programme (PPP), specially curated for all local polytechnic graduates who embark on the Singapore Chartered Accountant Qualification (SCAQ) programme after completing their diplomas. The newly-minted programme is in line with recommendations by the Accountancy Workforce Review Committee, announced in May 2023, to ensure a sustainable pipeline of high-quality accountancy talent.
Under the PPP, polytechnic graduates from full-time Pre-Employment Training Diplomas who sign up for the SCAQ Foundation Programme (FP) will receive a sponsorship of SCAQ-related fees and learning support from ISCA for a period of two years after graduation. The PPP will also allow polytechnic students to enrol as ISCA student members and gain access to SCAQ learning resources. Students from all local polytechnics in Singapore are eligible for the programme regardless of the diploma they hold, and ISCA aims to attract students across various non-accountancy disciplines, such as business, information technology, and even design and media.
This initiative builds on the success of ISCA’s Accelerated Pathway Programme (APP), which was launched in April 2024 to offer university students studying accountancy a dedicated route to becoming a Chartered Accountant of Singapore. Since the expansion of the SCAQ in November 2023 to include non-accountancy diploma holders, ISCA has seen a twofold increase in the number of polytechnic graduates enrolling for the SCAQ, including graduates who held non-accountancy diplomas. Presently, ISCA has over 110 polytechnic graduates currently enrolled in the SCAQ FP, which comprises around 11% of the total SCAQ FP candidature pool. This number is projected to increase, especially with the launch of the PPP and other student outreach efforts that ISCA will scale up over the next few years.
In addition, ISCA will be establishing Campus Enterprise Hubs across six polytechnics and universities by end-January 2025. These hubs are dedicated spaces which aim to provide an avenue for students to engage with ISCA and ISCA’s wide network of Accredited Training Organisations and Professional Accountancy Hub member organisations[1], collectively bringing together over 520 employers and 3.6 million members to connect with students. ISCA will also facilitate engagement sessions between students and employers, with the objective of cultivating a strong pool of talent for employers to tap on, and conversely helping students pursue internship and job opportunities. Earlier today, Member of Parliament and Chair of the Government Parliamentary Committee (GPC) for Finance, Trade and Industry Mr Liang Eng Hwa and ISCA President Mr Teo Ser Luck opened ISCA’s first Campus Enterprise Hub in Ngee Ann Polytechnic (NP).
ISCA President, Mr Teo Ser Luck, said: “All our diploma holders who completed the SCAQ are fully employed. This speaks volumes for both the SCAQ and the value of polytechnic education in Singapore. We are pleased to expand our SCAQ support to polytechnic graduates on their journey to become a Chartered Accountant and cultivate accountancy as a study of choice here in Singapore.”
Mr Lim Kok Kiang, Principal & CEO of Ngee Ann Polytechnic, said: “We are pleased to welcome the launch of ISCA’s Polytechnic Pathway Programme and the opening of ISCA’s Campus Enterprise Hub in NP. Besides enhancing the education and career opportunities for polytechnic students in the accountancy field, these initiatives will encourage more students trained in different fields to explore a career in this sector.”
[1] ISCA’s Professional Accountancy Hub consists of 23 organisations from a wide variety of fields, such as the Singapore Business Federation, Singapore Computer Society, and the Singapore Chinese Chamber of Commerce & Industry (SCCCI).
Hashtag: #ISCA #Accountancy #DifferenceMakers #PolytechnicPathwayProgramme
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
– Published and distributed with permission of Media-Outreach.com.
Source: Media Outreach
About Arlo Technologies, Inc.
With a mission to bring users peace of mind, Arlo is as passionate about protecting user privacy as it is about safeguarding homes and families. Arlo is committed to implementing industry standards for data protection designed to keep users’ personal information private and in their control. Arlo provides enhanced controls for user data, supports privacy legislation, keeps user data safely secure, and puts security at the forefront of company culture.
Safe Harbor Statement under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995:
This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. The words “anticipate,” “expect,” “believe,” “will,” “may,” “should,” “estimate,” “project,” “outlook,” “forecast” or other similar words are used to identify such forward-looking statements. However, the absence of these words does not mean that the statements are not forward-looking. The forward-looking statements represent Arlo’s expectations or beliefs concerning future events based on information available at the time such statements were made and include statements regarding the development and performance of Arlo’s services and products; and the impact of the strategic partnership with Origin, including the impact on Arlo’s results of operations or technology and capabilities. These statements are based on management’s current expectations and are subject to certain risks and uncertainties, including the following: any failure to successfully integrate Origin’s AI SensingTM technology, including TruShieldTM and Allos into Arlo’s services and products; the period or scope of exclusivity may be shorter or more limited, respectively, than anticipated; consumers may choose not to utilise payment plans or to adopt the Arlo’s new product offerings, or may adopt competing products; and product performance may be adversely affected by real-world operating conditions. Further, certain forward-looking statements are based on assumptions as to future events that may not prove to be accurate. Therefore, actual outcomes and results may differ materially from what is expressed or forecast in such forward-looking statements. Further information on potential risk factors that could affect Arlo and its business are detailed in its periodic filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including, but not limited to, those risk factors described in its most recently filed Annual Report on Form 10-K and Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q and subsequent filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Given these circumstances, you should not place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements. Arlo undertakes no obligation to release publicly any revisions to any forward-looking statements contained herein to reflect events or circumstances after the date hereof or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events.
– Published and distributed with permission of Media-Outreach.com.
Source: New Zealand Police (District News)
State Highway 14 at Tangiteroria in Kaipara will be closed for several hours while Police investigate a crash.
The single-vehicle crash was reported about 6.30pm.
The Serious Crash Unit is conducting a scene examination and diversions are being arranged. Motorists are advised to expect delays.
No further information is available at this time.
ENDS
Issued by the Police Media Centre
Source: Media Outreach
HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 20 January 2025 – From the vibrant streets of Hong Kong to the historic heart of Florence, FabriX is transcending borders and reimagining the boundaries of fashion with technology. Fresh from our successful showcase at Paris Fashion Week Sep FW2024 and crowned with HKFDA’s ‘Top 10 Fashion Visionaries Award 2024’, FabriX Digital Fashion Roadshow debuted at Pitti Immagine Uomo on 14 January 2025.
FabriX Pitti Immagine Uomo 2025
Founded in 2022 with support of the Cultural and Creative Industries Development Agency (CCIDA, formerly CreateHK) and PMQ, FabriX was envisioned as a platform for Hong Kong’s fashion designers to present their digital fashion creations on virtual runways worldwide. Today, FabriX has emerged as a global force, gracing two of Europe’s premier fashion weeks since 2023.
Our mission? To establish FabriX as the ultimate Digital Fashion Hub and Curated Marketplace, where cutting-edge artistry meets commercial opportunities. We want to shape a future where digital fashion is a seamless part of everyday life – by connecting and collaborating with designers, fashion houses, industry associations, tech innovators, key influencers and the media.
At Pitti Immagine Uomo, the world’s leading tradeshow for men’s clothing and accessories, fashion buyers, media and fashion lovers can experience the future of fashion with our enhanced FabriX AR Try-on Kiosk 2.0.1. Be immersed in a phygital realm – try on, capture selfies, promote your design in digital format, or pre-order your favourite digital fashion looks, including exclusive made-for-Roblox avatar outfits.
The FabriX experience will be incomplete without our featured collaborations. Joining us at Pitti Immagine Uomo are a series of creations from 4 new designers, alongside showpieces from the recent Paris Fashion Week bringing the total to 13 digital fashion items on tour.
FabriX is curated by a team of experienced creative drivers lead by Shin Wong, FabriX’s Founder along with Designer’s Curator, Declan Chan, exploring the best tech partner in the world, with the unlimited support by William To, Executive Director of PMQ, bringing a new dimension to the virtual fashion experience.
Enhanced AR try-on kiosk 2.0.1 travels to Florence
Touring to FabriX Digital Fashion Roadshow at Pitti Immagine Uomo 2025 is the acclaimed FabriX AR Try-on Kiosk, where visitors can effortlessly try on, capture selfies and pre-order digital fashion pieces. Premiered last year in London Fashion week and Paris Fashion week, the enhanced Kiosk 2.0.1 comes with improved features, travels to Florence this year. The AR enabled mirror and photobooth hybrid allows users and buyers to digitally try on digital fashion items. It is a new, innovative and accessible way to experience fashion. Users can pose and collect their digital outfit photos and directly acquire their favourite digital fashion items on online platform. With a truly immersive “See Now – Try Now – Buy Now” shopping experience, fashion retail is redefined through digital pixels. Prepare to be captivated by this immersive phygital fashion retail experience, showcasing the breathtaking ideation from Hong Kong to the world.
Tech trailblazers propel digital fashion to go further and beyond
FabriX’s role is to scout all possible digital creatives in the fashion industry. FabriX continues to work with some of the most innovative tech trailblazers, each striving to push boundaries and offer ground-breaking tools and solutions. The collective exponential synergy propels fashion industry to go beyond imagination.
(In alphabetical order)
Avery Dennison, Embelex
Avery Dennison is a global leader in materials science and digital identification solutions that provides a wide range of branding and information solutions that optimise labour and supply chain efficiency, reduce waste, advance sustainability, circularity and transparency, and better connect brands and consumers.
Avery Dennison’s @Embelex product portfolio includes apparel branding labels and tags digitally enabled with NFC or RFID technologies, as well as software applications that bridge the physical and digital to enhance consumer experience.
Avery Dennison provides customisable NFC-enabled digital woven badges for the featured designers. These custom-designed badges can be triggered using NFC-enabled smartphones to connect to specialised digital content and information, opening doors to exciting consumer engagement opportunities.
Genesis-One
Genesis-One by Virtual Touch is transforming the fashion industry with its innovative virtual stores, online-to-offline selling platform and digitalisation services. By offering a comprehensive one-stop digital ecosystem, Genesis-One empowers fashion creators to establish their brands without the high upfront costs and complexities of production, logistics and inventory management. With advanced 3D and AI-enabled design tools, an integrated marketplace and a pre-order system, creators can easily design, produce and launch products directly to the market. This fully-automated, on-demand model delivers efficiency and sustainability – allowing creators to focus on design, marketing and crafting unique customer experiences for their brands. Exclusively for the FabriX Digital Fashion Roadshow 2025, physical versions of selected digital fashion pieces and FabriX merchandise are now available for online purchase https://www.genesis-one.co/fabrixworld/creation, thanks to Genesis-One’s powerful digital tools enabling a simplified, streamlined experience from design to the shelf.
ZERO10
ZERO10 is a pioneering tech company focusing on advanced augmented reality (AR) and artificial intelligence (AI) try-on solutions that bring interactivity, engagement and innovation to fashion, entertainment, sports and retail sectors. Their proprietary AR Mirror software transforms digital screens into powerful business tools, offering virtual try-on capabilities that enhance consumer engagement, collect valuable customer data and improve in-store sales conversion. With the technological support by ZERO10, the designers’ physical creations can now turn into virtual outfits.
DRESSX
Leveraging their experience and tech know-how, DRESSX once again, transformed all FabriX Digital Fashion Roadshow 2025 designer’s roster and their designs into a collection of 13 Roblox avatar outfits, allowing users to rock their favourite digital fashion pieces in-game. At the Pitti Immagine Uomo 2025, we are making breakthrough and infusing new energy on menswear by Roblox, customers will have other choices on their outfits instead of relying on traditional tailors.
10 international designers showcasing their creative designs
FabriX Digital Fashion Florence Roadshow brings 4 more designers and together they make a remarkable squad of 10 international designers: joining the team this year we have Mii Collection (their latest collection are showcased at Pitti Immagine Uomo), Ouest Paris, PRONOUNCE and Xander Zhou with the existing designers who were featured in Paris FabriX Roadshow last year – PONDER.ER and Wilsonkaki from Hong Kong; Bianca Saunders, Charles de Vilmorin, Florentina Leitner and Paolina Russo.
(In alphabetical order)
New designers joining Pitti Immagine Uomo 2025
Mii Collection
Founded in 2012 by the French-Indian designer duo Lucie Bourreau and Bapan Dutta, Mii Collection is a brand dedicated to handmade ready-to-wear garments and accessories. The couple met while studying Textile Design at the Ecole des Arts Décoratifs de Paris, embodying the yin and yang of two distinct backgrounds, geographies, languages, and temperaments. This diversity contributes to the unique and complementary dynamic of their partnership.
Their journey to India in 2009 exposed them to the plight of local craftsmen facing economic challenges. This experience inspired them to establish Mii Collection, which stands for ‘Made In India’. Through the brand, Lucie and Bapan strive to make a difference by combining their creative talents and cultural backgrounds to support the artisans, while preserving and promoting unique, ancestral and endangered skills through their handcrafted pieces.
OUEST Paris
Founded in late 2021 by Arthur Robert, OUEST Paris brings a hedonistic twist to denim and workwear. The brand reflects a distinctive blend of Robert’s Parisian roots, coastal Biarritz heritage and California dreams, shaped by his experiences as a French queer kid in the 1990s and 2000s.
OUEST Paris delivers a cool and creative wardrobe featuring denim, rugged outerwear and skin-positive designs with most products manufactured within the EU. Proudly based in a multicultural city, OUEST Paris is mindful of the environmental and societal issues of our times. The brand was also a finalist for the 2023 Pierre Bergé ANDAM Prize.
PRONOUNCE
Founded in 2016, PRONOUNCE is an independent fashion house led by Creative Directors Jun Zhou and Yushan Li. Based between Milan and Shanghai, Li is a Central Saint Martins graduate, while Zhou is an alumnus of London College of Fashion and Istituto Marangoni. Merging Eastern philosophy with Western aesthetics, the brand focuses on traditional craftsmanship to create contemporary menswear that challenges gender norms with their ‘Gender Share’ concept.
The duo’s ground-breaking approach has earned them significant accolades, including winning ‘The Latest Fashion Buzz’ prize and receiving a nomination for the Woolmark Prize in 2017. They have also been featured in Forbes’ 30 Under 30 lists for 2017 and 2018. Recognized as a leading contemporary brand from China, PRONOUNCE has presented their collections at London Fashion Week Men’s and is the first Chinese designer label invited to showcase their work at Pitti Uomo in Florence, Italy in 2019.
XANDER ZHOU
Ever since his Spring/Summer 2016 collection titled “Far East”, Xander Zhou has been reconnecting with his Asian roots while exploring the ties between oriental mysticism and the futuristic modernity of Asia. With the coined term “techno-orientalism”, the designer has been building his own vastly diverse universe by sketching a map of future humanity, merging the real and the ideal by creating a virtual dimension in which the characters from his collections coexist and interconnect – whether they are humans, androids or aliens.
In the XANDER ZHOU universe, new boundaries of diversity can be stretched far beyond ethnic, racial, cultural, sexual and gender identities. His vision of the acclaimed “Supernatural, Extraterrestrial & Co.” continues to surprise and open up a Milky Way of imagination, absurdity and romanticism.
Designers from Paris Fashion Week with FHCM selection
Bianca Saunders
Bianca Saunders brand gained international acclaim, debuting at London Fashion Week and later at Paris Fashion Week in January 2022. The brand continues to produce two collections annually and participates in various collaborations.
Known for innovative silhouettes and craftsmanship, Saunders often explores body mapping through bespoke prints. She views clothing as a dynamic expression, embracing a multi-disciplinary approach. Rooted in her British Caribbean identity, Saunders’ designs reflect the rich tapestry of Anglo-Caribbean relations.
Charles de Vilmorin
Charles de Vilmorin launched his own label in 2020 by posting several images of his creations on Instagram, quickly gaining attention with his distinctive, dreamlike hand-painted motifs.
Known as ‘The Yves Saint Laurent of Gen Z’, his designs were praised by Christian Lacroix. Fashion legend, Jean Paul Gaultier, also sponsored him as an on-schedule guest at haute couture week in January 2021. At the age of 24, he was appointed as the creative director at Rochas two weeks after the show.
In 2023, de Vilmorin took on several high-profile projects such as being the president of the fashion Jury of the 38th edition of the Hyères International Festival and the Artistic Director of the Galeries Lafayette Christmas. In 2024, he launched his first ready-to-wear collection and collaborated with Moët & Chandon and chef Yannick Alléno in designing the Moët restaurant in Paris.
Florentina Leitner
Created in February 2022, the brand is the eponymous label of Austrian designer Florentina Leitner. She graduated with Bachelor’s and Master’s of Arts from the Royal Academy of Fine Arts in Antwerp and worked for Dries van Noten before launching her label.
With a vision to create a bold, fun and vibrant brand for all ages, the brand is characterised by distinctive 3D flowers, floral prints, textile combinations and feminine details – promising to evoke smiles, and lift moods at every turn. She and her team strive to construct immersive experiences that transport you into a uniquely imaginative world.
Paolina Russo
Paolina Russo seamlessly merges futurism and nostalgia through community-driven craft and innovation. From their London-based studio, Paolina Russo and Lucile Guilmard combine artisanal methods with industrial production, creating a fusion of traditional crafts and modern technology. By distilling the essence of craftsmanship, they propel it into new, contemporary directions.
Their work modernises and challenges traditional crafts such as knitwear, natural dyeing and wood carving – resulting in a distinctive aesthetic that blends folkloric tradition with futuristic innovation.
PONDER.ER
PONDER.ER by Alex Po and Derek Cheng challenges gender norms with thought-provoking gender-fluid designs that stimulate self-exploration. By dismantling conventions and embracing diverse choices, the label reinterprets contemporary classics to defy rigid preconceptions of fashion and gender behaviour. Prioritising comfort, their collections spark conversations while showcasing a vibrant spectrum of aesthetics. In 2024, PONDER.ER was shortlisted as a semi-finalist of the LVMH Prize for Young Fashion Designers.
Wilsonkaki
Wilsonkaki is the namesake label of designer Wilson Yip, which was inspired by a simple yet relatable mishap – forgetting to zip up the fly. The label is known for poetic creations that exude hypermodernity – constantly questioning conventions, rethinking reality, and reinterpreting everyday wardrobe with an experimental approach. He garnered much praise in the industry by working with singers and celebrities in Hong Kong and was honoured as one of the 10 Asian Designers to Watch in 2021.
‘FabriX 2025 – Digital Fashion Roadshow: Florence’
Be part of the digital fashion revolution with FabriX Digital Fashion Roadshow at Pitti Uomo, Florence. Connect, collaborate and create with us – follow FabriX on social media for updates and exclusive content.
| Date: | 14-17 January 2025 |
| Time: | 09:00 – 18:00 (Last day: 09:00 – 16:00) |
| Venue: | Fortezza da Basso, Florence, Italy |
Note: Follow FabriX on social media for exclusive coverage and content!
Hashtag: #FabriX #FashionMeetsFuture #fabrixworld #pmqhkdesign
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– Published and distributed with permission of Media-Outreach.com.
Tonight, the Auckland community will gather at the Auckland Domain to honour the recent ceasefire in Palestine and stand in solidarity with those affected by the ongoing humanitarian crisis.
The event, scheduled to begin at 8:00 PM, will include heartfelt speeches, cultural performances, and a moment of silence to commemorate the lives lost. Attendees will acknowledge the Palestinian people’s resilience and reaffirm a collective commitment to justice, freedom, and human rights.
This ceasefire offers a moment of relief, but it must not mark the end of our efforts. We gather tonight not only to mourn the losses but to demand a future where peace and justice are realized for all Palestinians. True peace is rooted in freedom and dignity.
Organizers urge Aucklanders to attend and demonstrate their solidarity with the Palestinian cause. This gathering is a reminder of the power of collective voices, united in compassion and determination, to advocate for change and inspire hope for those enduring the crisis.
Date: 20 January 2025
Time: 8:00 PM
Location: Auckland Domain.
