Henry Yuen, one of the organizers, said the fashion week was the brainchild of Yanan Yu, an international model from China who lives in British Columbia. Instead of the expected 100 exhibitors, there were about 70. Visitor numbers were also low. Designer Hernandez expressed a thought shared by many exhibitors who lamented the lack of retail buyers and visitors in general. Eight years later, results in the apparel category are barely visible.
Red tape includes detailed labeling rules, textile quotas and customs regulations.
And there also are quotas on wool fabrics. Fabrics were scrutinized. Silks were no problem, but all other fabrics and garments were examined, said Carrie Houseman, who was in charge of the Stenderu booth. China faces even greater obstacles to export to North America. According to one exhibitor from there, there's fierce competition for the categories allowed, and then customs are another deterrent.