Leading Hong Kong designers are making their mark at New York Fashion Week.
Fashion Hong Kong, an initiative established by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC), brought a group of top local designers to participate in New York Fashion Week from February 9 to February 17. The initiative, which works to promote Hong Kong designers at international fashion events, enabled designers Polly Ho, Harrison Wong, Cynthia Mak and Xiao Xiao to debut their Fall/Winter 2017 collections at an exclusive runway show on Feb. 15.
At the show, craftsmanship and heritage were emphasized in each designer collection. From knitwear to edgy modernism, each designer transformed the runway into an interactive personal experience.
Cynthia & Xiao, the darling label of designers Mak and Xiao, turned to China’s zodiac symbols for their collection, “Little Emperor.” Incorporating China’s handcraft artwork and spiritual history, “Little Emperor” highlighted two important Chinese zodiac symbols, the rabbit and tiger, in its winter pieces. The collection’s garments also included fringe detailing, along with knitted fabrics, for warm style combinations.
“Modern Monoastic,” Harrison Wong’s collection, took a darker turn on the runway with spare austere cuts and hooded silhouettes. Known for his contemporary menswear apparel, Wong combined stark modernity and venerable tradition in his collection pieces. Memorable items from Wong’s lineup included a heather gray neoprene hooded jacket and black striped cotton knit wide pants.
Embodying traditional folklore and contemporary individualism, Loom Loop, Ho’s eco-friendly brand, told the tale of two separated lovers, the Weaver Girl and Cowherd, on the runway. Ho’s collection pieces featured magpie and cow prints that were created by natural dye and sun exposure. A laser cut dress, along with a magpie print leather biker vest and denim cow print coat, were key apparel designs from the collection.
In addition to the runway show, Fashion Hong Kong opened a new showroom at Launch Collective during New York Fashion Week. Fifteen Hong Kong-based accessory brands will display their designs at the showroom and have the opportunity to expand their global business opportunities. Fashion Hong Kong, in partnership with New York department stores and shops, will coordinate meetings for Hong Kong designers and global buyers at the space until Feb. 17.