Hong Kong Fashion Fest Recap: A celebration of fashion, culture, and creativity

From November 20 to December 4 this year, the first-ever Hong Kong Fashion Fest was held in the city spanning multiple exciting events, exhibitions, and experiences. Presented by the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region and sponsored by the Cultural and Creative Industries Development Agency of the Culture, Sports, and Tourism Bureau, the festival enlisted international designers and local talents to come together in a grand celebration of fashion, creativity, and cultural heritage.

Fashion Fest was a resounding success, attracting approximately 160,000 attendees from more 25 countries or regions, and garnering 4.6 million cumulative views on social media during its vibrant celebrations. The initiative reinforced Hong Kong’s role as a strategic gateway to Asia and cemented its position as a fashion design hub in Asia.

“We are thrilled to launch the Hong Kong Fashion Fest, uniting Hong Kong’s various fashion happenings under one vibrant festival on the global fashion calendar,” Commissioner for Cultural and Creative Industries, Mr. Victor Tsang remarked. “This endeavour reflects our city’s creative energy and its role as a bridge between regional and international fashion.”

Head below as we relive some of the greatest moments from Hong Kong Fashion Fest 2024.

The Fashion Union – A Platform to Celebrate the Beauty of Workwear

The Fashion Union presented an exciting series of exhibitions, fashion shows, workshops, outdoor bazaars, and forums aiming to expand the scale and potential of workwear. Events included an opening ceremony on 20 November at the DX design hub in Sham Shui Po followed by a Workwear Show showcasing various designs highlighting forward-thinking styles catering to different walks of life — from industrial workers to barbers.

The commencement was followed by an eight-day exhibition titled “The Beauty of Workwear” featuring select vintage showpieces co-curated by Douglas Gunn, the co-founder of The Vintage Showroom in London. Eight local designers, including LSA 30 honouree Mei Sze from TMS.SITE, also showcased different workwear outfits drawing inspiration from trades in the ’20s to the ’80s. Shown during the exhibition were LED Virtual Skyline Stories, featuring various aerial photos of Hong Kong, and visitors were invited to recreate iconic workwear moments through various costumes, accessories, and props provided at the venue.

“Workwear design, characterised by its purpose-driven nature, functionality, and practicality, offers a compelling showcase of distinct styles found in diverse regions and industries. Over time, workwear has evolved into a significant source of inspiration for fashion designers, encompassing not only traditional cultural elements but also emerging as a fashionable trend embraced by today’s youth and trendsetters,” commented Dr. Elita Lam, Project Leader and Vice Principal of the Hong Kong Design Institute & Hong Kong Institute of Vocational Education (Lee Wai Lee). “Let us embark on this exciting journey together and witness the magnificent transformation of workwear in the fashion world!”

Motifx – Where Tradition Meets Ingenuity

An essential stop for culture enthusiasts, “Motifx – Where Tradition Meets Ingenuity” is being held from November 28 to December 29 at K11 Musea’s Gold Ball space. This remarkable exhibition showcases more than 100 Chinese motifs and artifacts reinterpreted by talented young designers and artists, combining a modern allure with age-old aesthetics.

There, guests are invited to engage in various workshops with master craftsmen and enlightening panel discussions led by esteemed figures such as Professor Wu Haiyan and renowned personalities from Shanghai Tang. Immerse yourself in an experience that harmoniously blends the past with the present, capturing the enduring elegance of Chinese heritage. Constant highlights of the exhibition include the Textile Library series which showcases luxurious fabrics, unique cuts, and the traditional craft of Badu Hemp embroidery, illuminating countless possibilities for designers.

Fashion Summit (Hong Kong) 2024 returned with the theme “Power Up Sustainable Fashion Business”

The “Fashion Summit (HK) 2024” officially took place on November 26 at the Hong Kong Palace Museum, gathering industry leaders and innovators to explore sustainable fashion business strategies. Key attractions of the event were three classic Hong Kong-themed fashion shows exploring old housing estates, Kai Tak Airport, and Kowloon Walled City. The International Fashion Show, themed “Time Traveler,” showcased designers from five different countries and regions on November 27. The other two fashion shows, themed “Capture the Time” featured emerging fashion talents from Hong Kong, and “Local Power” spotlighted some of Hong Kong’s best fashion brands on November 28. Additionally, a new feature this year was the “Fashion Summit Lifestyle Pop-up Shop,” held at Gate 33 Gallery, AIRSIDE in Kai Tak for the entire month of November. The initiative aimed to promote and assist designers in establishing sustainable fashion enterprises.

A Journey of Rediscovery – 30 Years of Shanghai Tang

For its 30th anniversary celebrations, Shanghai Tang teamed up with PMQ to unveil “A Journey of Rediscovery – 30 Years of Shanghai Tang” exhibition, running from November 27 to December 15. As the first luxury brand rooted in Asia, the label invited visitors to dive into its rich legacy of blending traditional chinoiserie with modern elegance through a mix of historical displays and digital interactions with both vintage pieces and modern creations that illustrate its journey over the years. A key aspect is a panel discussion led by renowned Chinese photographer Chen Man, exploring her creative collaborations with Shanghai Tang, spanning from her memorable 2012 campaign photoshoot to the brand’s latest 2024 Fall/Winter capsule collection. This celebration of fashion and artistry offered a unique opportunity to explore the heritage of one of Hong Kong’s most iconic fashion labels.

Fashion Challenges Forum by Fashion Asia Hong Kong

This year’s Fashion Asia programme featured the Fashion Challenges Forum on 29 November at St. Regis Hong Kong which brought together notable speakers and industry heavyweights including Nicolas Morineaux, CEO, Galeries Lafayette China, Prabal Gurung, Vice Chairman of Council of Fashion Designers of America; Lv Xiaolei, Executive Vice Chairman of Shanghai Fashion Designer Association; Laura Weir, Creative Director from Selfridges and Fashion Designer Phillip Lim who explored the future of fashion, discussing topics including market trends in luxury retail to the importance of craftsmanship, creating authentic voices, and digital innovation.

Top 10 Asian Designers to Watch – hosted at the Clockenflap Music & Arts Festival between November 29 through December 1

For the first time, the 10 Asian Designers to Watch Exhibition was presented at the Clockenflap Music & Arts Festival from November 29 to December 1. Dubbed SOUNDSTITCH, the space saw fashion meet music in a celebration of innovation and creativity. There, emerging designers, including PONDER.ER and LSA 30 honouree Christian Stone, held dazzling and interactive installations. The booths included Sound Diaries, which could be heard using listening pods in which the designers share their creative journeys and inspirations.

This year’s 10 Asian Designers to Watch 2024 winners include Grace Ling, Juntae Kim, KWK by Kay Kwok, Markgong, Oude Waag, Raxxy, Ruohan, Setchu, Tanakadaisuke and Ya Yi. Find out more about the awards and view the designers’ virtual exhibitions here.

VIRTUOSE: The Artistry of Couture and Couture Reverie

“VIRTUOSE: The Artistry of Couture”, was held on 25 November at The Henderson in Central. The star-studded event brought together four internationally acclaimed designers including Charles de Vilmorin from France, Mohamed Benchellal from the Netherlands, Cheney Chan from mainland China, and Kay Kwok from Hong Kong, China, who each presented breathtaking couture collections. A subsequent “Couture Reverie” exhibition took place from 27 November to 9 December at Shop 6, New Henry House, 10 Ice House Street, Central, allowing audiences to dive into the personal philosophies of the designers and the intricacies of fabric, tailoring, and embroidery.

Originating from France, where couture has its roots, Charles de Vilmorin is renowned for his daring, expressive needlework and lively hues, crafting couture pieces that are both artistic and cutting-edge. Hailing from the Netherlands, Mohamed Benchellal brings a touch of architectural elegance, showcasing fluid outlines and detailed draping that echo his Moroccan background. Cheney Chan, representing the Mainland, blends traditional Chinese motifs with contemporary Parisian styles, resulting in garments that blend Eastern and Western influences in a distinctive fusion. Hong Kong’s Kay Kwok introduces a forward-looking perspective, employing unconventional materials and precise tailoring to fashion bold, ethereal shapes. This event offers a special chance for attendees to admire the exceptional artistry of couturiers and to immerse themselves in the evocative storytelling of fashion.

Images: Hong Kong Fashion Fest