Hong Kong’s Fashion Credentials On The Rise

Hong Kong Fashion Fest is taking over the Fragrant Harbour for two weeks this winter.

The newly rebranded event—which runs from 20 November to 4 December 2024—aims to position the region as a fashion design hub in Asia by consolidating various events promoting the sector.

A key highlight of the dynamic schedule taking place across various cultural landmarks and iconic design locations is Fashion Asia Hong Kong. 2024’s programme features the Fashion Challenges forum on 29 November and includes speakers and industry experts like Lv Xiaolei, Executive Vice Chairman of Shanghai Fashion Designer Association; CEO of Galeries Lafayette China Nicolas Morineaux; and writer José Criales-Unzueta from Vogue. Also discussing topics that range from market trends to digital innovation are designers Phillip Lim and Prabal Gurung (also the Vice Chairman of Council of Fashion Designers of America).

The exhibition 10 Asian Designers To Watch runs on 29 November and 1 December and features work from the winners of this year’s edition including Raxxy, Mark Gong, Ruohan, and Ya Yi. Oude Waag—also featured in 2024’s 10 Asian Designers To Watch— is already stocked in the city at prestigious retailers Joyce and Ink.

“It’s great to have my brand recognised at this unique initiative which is a landmark for Asian designers. I’m looking forward to being in the city again and sharing our vision with the other designers and industry experts,” says founder Yin Jingwei, who is one of those flying in for the occasion.

The line-up, hosted at the Clockenflap Music & Arts Festival, will also highlight past winners including Chenpeng, Feng Chen Wang, Louis Shengtao Chen, Shuting Qiu, and Windowsen.

Local fashion brand Shanghai Tang—which celebrates its 30th anniversary this year—will present a retrospective exhibition of archival pieces and contemporary designs in the city. The program includes a thought leadership panel with photographer Chen Man who will discuss her creative work with the brand for over a decade.

The Fashion Summit, known for its agenda-setting subjects, takes place on November 26 and covers topics that range from AI and supply chains, to sustainability and eco-materials. Speaker Dr. Christina Dean, founder of environmental NGO Redress, and who is moderating a session on circulatory opportunities for Asia, says that Hong Kong’s fashion apparel and textile industry is “robust, long-standing and has significant expertise and influence,” with businesses here operating in many Asian countries.

Dean says that Hong Kong needs to use its influence as the gateway to China and SouthEast Asia to drive better standards for fashion design and production and circular innovation. “With production now not happening within Hong Kong, we must flex our expertise to drive business innovation and opportunity in the APAC region. Part of this comes from hosting high caliber events like the Hong Kong Fashion Fest, ” she explains.

Another highlight is Fashion Union—a series of workshops, exhibitions, and forums showcasing the universal appeal of workwear’s staples. Couture fashion is also on the line-up at the Hong Kong Fashion Fest. Virtuose: The Artistry of Couture will present the work of four designers, Cheney Chan, Kay Kwok, France’s Charles de Vilmorin and Mohamed Benchellal from the Netherlands.

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