Inside the INaugural Hong Kong Fashion Fest

In the heart of Hong Kong’s bustling metropolis, a sartorial revolution is quietly unfolding. The Hong Kong Polytechnic University’s School of Fashion and Textiles (SFT) stands as a beacon of innovation, housed within the architectural marvel that is the Jockey Club Innovation Tower. 

Last Monday evening, The Henderson—a new architectural marvel of steel and glass in Hong Kong’s Central district—became a vibrant stage for VIRTUOSE, an international couture showcase and the centrepiece of the inaugural Hong Kong Fashion Fest. Set against stunning 270-degree views of the city’s skyline, the event on Nov. 25 began with an intimate morning unveiling where the invited creators showcased their intricate collections, culminating in an evening celebration that highlighted artistry and cultural exchange.

It was an affair to remember (to quote an old Hollywood movie set in Hong Kong), and Canada’s Fête Chinoise was there in the thick of it, mingling with Hong Kong’s best-dressed A-listers. Cantopop headliners, film stars, fashion designers, models, financiers, philanthropists, and other industry creatives and influencers gathered at the blowout Vogue Loves Hong Kong party held at West Kowloon Art Park on Thursday night.

In a world increasingly defined by materialism, the deTour 2024 design festival at PMQ dares to challenge perceptions of value and identity. Built around the theme Having → Being: Designing Inner Worlds, this year’s festival, running from November 29 to December 15, opens up new experiences through 17 thought-provoking installations that explore the deeper connections between design, self-awareness, and personal growth.

The Fashion Summit 2024, now in its seventh year, served as a vital platform for promoting sustainable practices within the fashion industry when it took place in Hong Kong earlier this week. Held from November 26 to 28, this year’s summit embraced the theme “Power Up Sustainable Fashion Business,” continuing the momentum from previous years and reflecting a global shift towards eco-conscious business practices. With projections indicating that the sustainable fashion market was valued at US$7.8 billion in 2023 and is expected to reach US$33 billion by 2030, the summit aimed to position Hong Kong as a leading hub for innovative and responsible fashion.

Shanghai Tang, the Hong Kong luxury fashion house founded in 1994 by the late David Tang, a prominent figure in modern Chinese fashion, has established itself as a significant player in contemporary Chinese culture. On Tuesday night, the brand’s enduring dedication to celebrating Chinese heritage was highlighted at its 30th anniversary party held at PMQ, a creative hub in Hong Kong that showcases design and innovation.

Guo Pei: Fashioning Imagination, currently showcased at M+ in Hong Kong, is a monumental display that elevates fashion to the realm of high art. As the first large-scale presentation of Guo Pei’s work in the region, it offers a compelling exploration of the designer’s artistic vision, deeply rooted in Chinese cultural heritage while engaging with contemporary themes. Running until April 6, the show is a testament to Guo Pei’s status as one of China’s most celebrated designers and a significant figure in global fashion. It is nothing short of breathtaking.

It was a historic day for Chinese fashion, and Fête Chinoise was there—the only publication from North America granted a ringside seat at an event aimed at re-establishing “Made in China” as an elite brand. Serving as the inaugural launch of Hong Kong Fashion Fest, VIRTUOSE: The Artistry of Couture, took place on November 25 at The Henderson, a new landmark building in Central designed by internationally acclaimed Zaha Hadid Architects.

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.