Fête Chinoise Exclusive: On the Ground in Hong Kong at the Inaugural Fashion Fest
Written by Deirdre Kelly
Photography: Deirdre Kelly

Located in the heart of Hong Kong’s evolving design district, where visible remnants of a once-thriving trimmings industry meet street artists transforming grey sidewalks into colourful canvases, The Fashion Union has just unveiled a new exhibition that celebrates workwear as more than just clothing—it’s a testament to professional identity. Organized by the Hong Kong Design Institute (HKDI) and backed by the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, The Fashion Union aims to increase public awareness of workwear fashion.

“Workwear is different from a uniform,” says Victor Tsang, Commissioner for Cultural and Creative Industries and supporter of the event. “A uniform speaks to corporate spirit, but workwear celebrates the professionalism of the labourer and the potential of design.”

Co-curated by Douglas Gunn, co-founder of London’s Vintage Showroom, The Beauty of Workwear features an impressive collection of vintage workwear pieces sourced from various countries, including the UK, the US, and France. Gunn, who describes himself as a “retro futurologist,” highlights how workwear’s character—rooted in functionality and practicality—has evolved into a significant source of inspiration for modern designers. “They’ll look at an old button to get new ideas for their future collections,” said Gunn, who began his exploration into vintage fashion in Toronto in the 1990s. His work started with repurposing discarded denim jeans, contributing to today’s sustainability trend.

Running from November 20 to 27, this eight-day exhibition also showcases workwear-inspired outfits created by eight local designers who have drawn inspiration from various professions in Hong Kong from the 1920s to the 1990s. Notable pieces include utilitarian garments that reflect both historical significance and contemporary style, among them protective fireman gear, labourers’ sturdy denim jackets, and women’s factory smocks.

An initiative of Hong Kong’s inaugural Fashion Fest, the exhibition offers hands-on workshops, outdoor bazaars, and forums for designers and industry professionals eager to explore innovative ways to incorporate workwear elements into their designs.

Visitors can also recreate their own workwear-inspired fashion moments by adding costumes, accessories, and props provided on-site as part of an LED virtual skyline stories offering. This allows participants to have their photographs taken against a backdrop featuring multiple aerial photos of Hong Kong’s dynamic cityscape.

“Workwear design, characterized by its functionality and practicality, showcases distinct styles from diverse regions and industries,” says Elita Lam, project team leader and vice-principal of HKDI, in a prepared statement. “It has become a significant source of inspiration for fashion designers and has emerged as a trend embraced by today’s youth and trendsetters.”

MORE FROM Fête CHinoise