FASHION CHALLENGES FORUM

Fashion Challenges Forum is a forum that sparks dialogue, ignites inspiration, and dives deep into the current issues facing the fashion industry.

Bringing together industry leaders, designers, entrepreneurs, and more, Fashion Challenges Forum is an opportunity for the global fashion community to explore observations and experiences, and to strategise actionable and innovative ideas for businesses and brands.

Speakers & Moderators

Gab Waller: Founder, Gab Waller

Kayla Wong: Founder, LANG

Onthira Bharksuwana: Senior Vice President, EM DISTRICT, GROUP EM DISTRICT

Samy Redjeb: General Manager Asia Pacific, Longchamp

Sara Sozzani Maino: Creative Director, Fondazione Sozzani; International New Talent and Brands Ambassador, Camera Nazionale della Moda Italiana

Stefano Roncato: Editor in Chief, MF Fashion, MFF Magazine For Fashion, and MFL Magazine For Living

Charlie Gu (Moderator): Founder and CEO, Jingzhi Media Group

Divia Harilela (Moderator): Principal, The D’Vine Ltd

Gloria Tso (Moderator): Online and Features Editor, STYLE by SCMP

Sophia Yu (Moderator): Managing Director & Publisher, SCMP Hearst

Forum Videos

Beyond the Bag: Building a Legacy Brand in Dynamic Asia

Samy Redjeb, General Manager Asia Pacific at Longchamp, detailed the ethos of community and connection behind the iconic French maison. Moving away from the cold and traditional rules of luxury, he shared how the brand prioritises joy, playfulness, and authentic community bonding over simply racing to open new doors. Samy reminded us that the future of luxury is deeply personal. It is about protecting heritage and passing those beautiful memories to the next generation.

Beyond Shopping: Thailand’s Retailtainment Playbook For Asia

Onthira Bharksuwana, Senior Vice President of EM DISTRICT, took us on a fascinating journey behind the evolution of Bangkok’s retail landscape. Moving beyond traditional transactions, she revealed how the most successful spaces are now designed to create lasting memories and genuine emotional connections across generations.

The New Vanguard: Navigating The Future of Global Menswear

The traditional rules of menswear are being completely rewritten. Fashion visionaries Sara Sozzani Maino and Stefano Roncato explored the quiet revolution happening in the industry today. From the changing definition of true luxury to the creative freedom found in the Asian market, they discussed why the future belongs to independent designers who stay true to their roots.

From Discovery To Desire: The New Rules of Fashion Entrepreneurship

The reality of fashion entrepreneurship is not just about glamorous events. It is about navigating unexpected challenges and adapting your mindset every single day. Innovative founders Kayla Wong and Gab Waller opened about the raw truth of building a business from the ground up.