Hong Kong Fashion Week, Asia's largest fashion event, opened in the city on Monday, showcasing the industry's newest collections, looks and products and attracting exhibitors and buyers from all around the world.

The 41st edition of Hong Kong Fashion Week for Fall/ Winter 2010 and the 8th World Boutique is held from Monday to Thursday at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Center.

The twin events feature altogether over 2,000 exhibitors from 30 countries and regions, a 17 percent increase over last year, as well as close to 5,000 buyers from 39 countries and regions, according to the Hong Kong Trade Development Council.

During four days of the two flagship fairs of Asia's fashion industry, there will be a series of runway shows, presenting ideas from leading local and overseas designers.

Fair highlights include the Hong Kong Fashion Extravaganza on Monday, featuring four celebrated fashion designers, including Dorian Ho from Hong Kong, Guo Pei and Xie Feng from the Chinese mainland, as well as Japan's Toshikazu Iwaya.

The events also offer 25 special seminars to address current fashion topics, including a forecast of 2011-2012 Fall/Winter fashion influences.

Hong Kong Fashion Week for Fall/ Winter has a worldwide reputation for showcasing the newest collections, looks and products in the industry. The event features 1,700 exhibitors from 24 countries and regions, with Russian and South African exhibitors joining for the first time.

World Boutique showcases the latest fashion brand collections, including apparel, watches, shoes, fashion jewelry, home fashion and lifestyle products. The event also includes such global fashion names as Vivienne Westwood, which will take the spotlight at a runway show.

The Netherlands, famous for its design capabilities, also hosts a country pavilion for the first time this year.