Hong Kong is a city full of design talent – ranging from clothing to shoes to accessories, the creative potential in this city is vast. Under the Fashion Hong Kong initiative, Hong Kong Trade Development Council has been able to showcase Hong Kong designers in the global fashion arena by organising a series of international promotional events at various places around the world.
Fashion Hong Kong has been actively participating in international fashion weeks and major events, including showrooms and pop-up stores, to help promote Hong Kong’s unique and diversified design talent for the past few years. With the sponsorship from Create Hong Kong of the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region* to make footprints in places such as London and New York for example, Fashion Hong Kong has also solidified its vision of building Hong Kong up as a regional creative capital to support local designers for their creative originality – the following brands are prominent examples of such talent.
BIG HORN Eyewear
Launched in Hong Kong by designer Kevin Ching in 2012, BIG HORN is an eyewear brand that “aims to bring minimalistic, fashionable and convenient designs to individuals who love stylish yet practical accessories.” Creating genderless designs for fashion-lovers, BIG HORN takes its name from a Rhino cub with a big horn, symbolising the spirit of “bend the rules.” Artists and stylists in Hollywood, Hong Kong and Europe have worn Kevin’s designs and BIG HORN’s products have also won different international design awards.
Blind By JW
Local fashion and accessories brand Blind By JW was established in 2012 by two fashion designers Jessica Lau and Walter Kong. Within two years, they have made waves in the Hong Kong and London fashion scenes with their clothing and bag designs using innovative floral and jacquard prints.
Ejj Jewellery
Ejj Jewellery was established in 2015 by designer Elaine Shiu, who has more than a decade’s worth of experience in the jewellery industry. Creating jewellery that are plated in 22 karat gold, Ejj also produces 3D printed jewellery in elegant and feminine designs. Ejj is currently available for purchase in stores within Hong Kong, the Mainland, Thailand and Macau.
ESEMBLĒ
ESEMBLĒ launched in Hong Kong to much success in 2016 with its modern take on vintage handbags. Made with lambskin in various edits with their signature upside down “v” logo, their bags are modelled after classic designs but with eclectic details that combine functionality and luxury quality at a contemporary price point.
Ferrata
Ferrata is a watch and jewellery brand with an Italian flair. Its heritage watch collection features five series of timepieces that have Swiss quartz movement at their hearts and their jewellery collections comprise of exquisite bracelets and necklaces made with Italian chains, sterling silver and Swarovski crystals. Ferrata timepieces are constructed to the highest quality standards, at watch assembly factories that have over 20 years of experience in producing remarkable timepieces.
Frequent Flyer
Frequent Flyer is a travel and lifestyle accessories brand dedicated to producing high-end and high-quality designs for travelers and everyday commuters. Using a wide range of premium materials, Frequent Flyer’s products are thoughtfully designed for those who need ample storage space with handy compartments for their belongings. Convenience and user-friendliness is their utmost priority, and their bags are characterised by their “zip-around” design, allowing bags to be opened into a fully flat position to maximise their functionality.
Jade In Style
Founded in 2018, Jade in Style is a contemporary jade accessories brand that creates stylish and fashionable jadeite jewellery. The founder, Chailie Ho, has expressed that she “wish[es] everyone can enjoy this beautiful stone – Jadeite, as a stylish daily wear” instead of a traditional heirloom that is only used on special occasions. Dainty and feminine, Jade in Style creates rings, necklaces, bracelets and earrings all made with jadeite.
JennYang
JennYang is a luxury lifestyle label that works with designers and artists globally to create the most irresistible and comfortable heels for modern women. Prizing comfort and durability above all, JennYang is committed to providing styles that are well-built and will last through the wear and tear of your day. Coming in a variety of bright colors, the heels are available in three different heights and are custom-made to best suit clients’ feet.
L.T.L Craftsman
Founded by Miro Yu, a product designer from Hong Kong, L.T.L Craftsman aims to showcase natural beauty in small leather items. For example, his “Tree” line flaunts bark-line patterns on the bags, giving his products a unique look and feel as well as providing a sense of zen and calmness when carrying them. Ranging from wallets, luggage tags, to bags and pouches, L.T.L Craftsman is practical and savvy.
Made of Pearl
Made of Pearl is a Hong Kong brand that specialises in pearl jewellery. Established in 2013, the brand aims to modernise traditional pearl jewellery by incorporating pearls with other materials in order to present unique jewelleries that suit all generations. Made of Pearl stresses using real pearls and offers a bespoke service as well as a complimentary engraving service and delivery.
METHODOLOGY
METHODOLOGY is a women’s fashion and accessories designer label which launched its first collection in Fall 2012 at Lane Crawford. Its designs use upcycled leather and often combine femininity and toughness by using contrasting materials, shapes and forms to make multi-functional designs, many of which are transformable and are wearable in multiple ways.
Midoti
Founded in 2014, Midoti is the brainchild of Sharon Cheung, a former advertising professional-turned jewellery designer. Given her background in the art and design industry, Cheung’s jewellery combines sculptural aesthetics with minimalist design which employ structures and knotting skills that she invented herself, along with the application of a German hi-tech weaving technology. Midoti has been invited to join Tokyo Design Week as well as Paris’ Premiere Classe in 2016.
Volare
Volare, the Italian word for “fly,” was created by Franco Yeung in 2008. The label is responsible for creating multi-functional leather shoes, bags and accessories. Designed for customers who are always on the move, Volare has already been exhibited in trade shows all around the world, with Japan, Paris and Milan being a few. Reflective of the brand name, Volare aims to go beyond the limit when it comes to creativity and passion.
*Disclaimer: The Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region provides funding support to the project only, and does not otherwise take part in the project. Any opinions, findings, conclusions or recommendations expressed in these materials/events (or by members of the project team) are those of the project organizers only and do not reflect the views of the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, the Communications and Creative Industries Branch of the Commerce and Economic Development Bureau, Create Hong Kong, the CreateSmart Initiative Secretariat or the CreateSmart Initiative Vetting Committee.
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