Among all the hype of Paris and Milan Fashion Weeks… lies Hong Kong Fashion Week – the world’s second largest and Asia’s largest fashion event!
Stage to an overwhelming number of local and international designers and brands, Hong Kong may be the NY of the East with an abundance of everything, but it’s our duty to find you the cream of the crop. With ‘Fashion of Music’ as this year’s theme, the occasion was nothing short of spectacular. This fashion week we have selected four HK fashion designers that hit the runway at the 47th edition of Hong Kong Fashion Week for Fall/Winter 2016, and stole our attention.
Partnering with Iris Mir across the 4-day fashion extravaganza, we present you with the next crop of Hong Kong brands that possess sensibility and skill. Scroll down to find out more about the Hong Kong brands you need to know, and their collections.
RELAXED FEMININITY
What is great about Effie is that he understands women. His beautiful Fall/Winter collection of strong solids and colour myriads are constructed in silhouettes that flatter all body shapes, sizes, and complexions. It is made for modern day women who want to look and feel good in a tasteful way.
ROMANTIC MONO
If you think monochrome is boring, think again. Models at Mim Mak’s successful fashion show sashayed down the runway in ultra romantic layers of tulle, cotton, and mesh (to name a few) that are intricately sewn to resemble a modern-day bride.
EDGY MODERNISM
Kevin’s Fall/Winter offering oozes edginess and sexiness. It’s like Versace and Balmain rolled into one, but with a unique Asian twist. We are obsessed with the high-impact details of his clothes – floor-length fringe, figure-flattering dress, and dangerously sexy necklines.
CHIC MINIMALIST
We can already see ourselves wearing these looks on our next trip. They are cosy, easy, and fuss-free — what’s not to love? Soui’s collection of neutrals in fool-proof cuts and biases imbue a sense of understated sophistication and modernity.
IMAGES COURTESY OF IRIS MIR
Shopping in Central, Hong Kong is a place that will get any shopaholic’s pulse racing. However away from Hong Kong’s retail mascots – The Landmark and IFC – and market-style street vendors, Central is a little gem. Hollywood Road is where you need to head to explore a trailing row of antique and curio shops. Venture into the quirky independent boutiques scattered around PMQ and Soho or power your way through the ubiquitous multi-tiered malls flanking Victoria Harbour. With so much ground to cover, we’ve shortlisted a number of boutiques worth heading straight to!
STURDY JAPANESE INSPIRED GARMENTS
45R embodies the Japanese culture. Aiming to provide comfortable yet long lasting quality garments, every piece of clothing also has a unique story and style. It’s popular silk yoiboshi star t-shirts were initially produced with cotton but were revised using silk, keeping the company’s primary goal of comfort in mind.
CONTEMPORARY SUITS FOR MEN
Ascot Chang opened his first shop in Hong Kong in 1953. 62 years later, his brand is internationally renowned for its attention to workmanship and detail. Chang believes that each garment should complement the wearer’s distinct style. And the family business maintains this notion by carefully selecting materials and providing the perfect fit for their loyal following.
HOMEWARES, APPAREL, PREMIUM GIFTS WITH DISTINCT HONG KONG FLAIR
GOD (Goods of Desire) is a lifestyle brand that features homewares, apparel, accessories, and premium gifts with a distinct Hong Kong style. Their designs are inspired by the vibrant culture of the energetic city where east meets west, and age-old traditions meet cutting-edge technology. They turn everyday subjects into something extraordinary with creativity and a pinch of humour.
HIGH FASHION LADIES FOOTWEAR
House of Avenues delivers high-end, sophisticated shoes for working women, and are frankly bang on point. The in-house team of artists and craftsmen are continuously researching latest trends so their creations can keep up with them. They also pride themselves on high-quality raw materials and their expert craftsmanship. While the brand is relatively new, they have their sights on overseas markets… so watch this space!
EVERYTHING YOU NEED FOR AN ON POINT HOME
There is a theory that homes should not look expensive but should not also look cheap. But how does the average bear meet a happy medium? Find a store that provides home decor and home accessories that are of high-end quality yet very friendly on the pocket. Inside is this very store for home furnishings and decor. The buck does not stop there… furniture, beddings, lighting, the works. Welcome to your new one-stop-home-shop!
SMART CASUAL WEAR IN VIVID COLOURS
Conceived only for young ladies, mademoiselle by MOISELLE Group, takes on the house’s iconic elegance and reworks it into a joyful yet rebellious femininity with a modern and stylish accent. Mademoiselle frees busy career women from the shackles of urban life and dresses them in vivid colours they have long ignored. Their collections amass a huge range of styles that are bound to colour your mundane office life and enable you to express your sense of self in the boardroom.
A BABY-FRIENDLY STORE FOR MUMS TO SHOP, RELAX, AND LEARN
Most new mums crave a sense of comfort and community. In an ideal world there would be a sanctuary at the heart of Central HK. Well there is… Tiny Footprints is home for new mums to shop, play, learn, and relax with their babies. Offering a nurturing and welcoming environment for children, freeing up parents to browse at their leisure. Enjoying yourself and feeding time calls? Do not panic! Tiny Footprints also has a comfortable area designated for feeding and an eco-inspired diaper changing area. Plus regular seminars to keep you up-to-date on the latest must-have baby products.
ELEGANT HOMEWARES DECKED IN NEUTRAL HUES
This is no ordinary homewares store. As befits its name, White Contemporary Homewares carries a range of exquisite home accessories and soft furnishings, including handmade cushion covers and throws, tabletop accessories, decorative accompaniments, home fragrances and more. It’s no doubt that these everyday luxuries will blend seamlessly into your modern abode. Visit the showroom for a home decor inspiration or two.
GUIDE TO SHOPPING IN CENTRAL
NEAREST MTR: CENTRAL STATION
As far as iconic landmarks go, Victoria Peak is Hong Kong’s crown jewel. Despite its touristy nametag, the view from atop Victoria Peak is glorious enough to silence even the most skeptical observers. What you’ll see is a limitless skyline that eclipses even those of the world’s loftiest cities and unobscured vistas of Victoria Harbour. Whether it’s enjoying shimmering views of the harbour by day or staring into the heart of the city’s neon-lit beauty by night, Victoria Peak, Hong Kong never fails to mesmerise.
The Sky Terrace 428 sits at the pinnacle of The Peak Tower and is the highest outdoor 360-degree viewing deck in Hong Kong. Perched above the city overlooking all of Hong Kong, it can really feel as if time has stopped, and in some ways it has.
The Peak tram, the region’s first funicular railway serves as a pleasing reminder. Since the commencement of service in 1888, The Peak Tram has been ferrying residents and tourists to and from Victoria Peak. It remains the most popular way of surpassing the peak’s unforgiving ascent—much to our delight of course. Skyscrapers skirt past the window at truly astonishing angles as the tram makes its steep upwards climb. A little further on, glimpses of the harbour and mainland hint deliciously at the promised panoramas waiting above.
Mid Levels, Hong Kong
How to get there:
By The Peak Tram:
The best way to get up The Peak is by The Peak Tram from the Peak Tram Lower Terminus on Garden Road. Getting the Peak Tram Sky Pass is highly recommended as it covers round-trip tram tickets as well as entry to The Sky Terrace 428.
By Bus/Minibus
Bus No. 15 or Green Minibus No. 1 will both take you directly to The Peak Galleria Bus Terminus from the Central district.
We’ve discussed the plethora of fashion labels and vast shopping opportunities in Hong Kong but we were elated to come across a commendable amalgam of shops dedicated to homewares as well. That’s right, the eclectic mix of European and classic Scandinavian homewares to Asian-inspired antiques was a pleasant surprise! Travel with us and pick your favourites in this definitive guide to homewares in Hong Kong.
EUROPEAN HOME DÉCOR AND ACCESSORIES
Bowerbird understands the importance of accessories and scours the globe to provide you with the best selection of homeware. Enter the throve filled with European furnishings like gingers jars, artificial flowers, bird cages and a huge selection of lighting, cushions, textiles and charming trinkets to beautify your homes.
NUMBER 1 FURNITURE RENTAL STORE IN HONG KONG
Labeled as Hong Kong’s “Number 1 Home Furnishings Store” in Central, Home Essentials offers some cutting-edge, contemporary furniture to over six continents, including Hong Kong. Apart from furniture, they also feature an elaborate collection of home décor including patterned New Zealand wool rugs, ceramic stools, table and floor lamps. If that is not enough, they also offer an eclectic mix of artwork, trays, vases, ceramic wall art and cushions. Not surprising if you hold the title for the best home furnishings store in Hong Kong.
EXTENSIVE VARIETY OF FURNITURE AND FURNISHINGS FOR EVERY HOME
Homeless is a lifestyle store that offers all you need to create a beautiful home. They pride in curating rare treasures from many designers. A diverse range; from the basics like lighting, kitchenware and tableware, down to accessories like magazine racks, clocks, cushions and umbrella stands are available at this homeware haven. On top of the vast range of products, each of them has different styles that would suit any theme or style.
CLASSIC FURNITURE MADE WITH NATURAL MATERIALS
Fancy some classic touches to your modern homes? Look no further as Infurniti Home brings you a mixture of Asian-inspired ceramics, mirrors with vintage designs, photos frames with quirky prints and wall décor with simplistic drawings. It’s not surprising to know their focus on quality and timeless value in their home furnishings has earned them recognition in the market.
HIGH QUALITY AND AFFORDABLE FURNITURE
How do we go about decorating our homes without breaking the bank? The best solution is to find a store that offers home decor and accessories that are of high-end quality yet very friendly in the pocket. Inside strives to create products that are simple, versatile and full of charm. Inside features soft furnishings like cushions and floor pads; embroidered, printed and waffle bed linen and a range of rugs.
ASIAN-INSPIRED HOMEWARE
When searching for Asian-inspired furnishings, definitely add Old Shanghai to your shopping list. Amongst the vast range of high quality classic pieces, expect pops of colour and modern takes on traditional pieces like tall bar stools, decorative ladders, and storage boxes of all sizes. They are right on the money when it comes to Asian-inspired accessories like makeshift magazine racks, plant pots and decorative items.
HANDPICKED ANTIQUE CHINESE AND CONTEMPORARY HOMEWARE
Owned by Irish expat Olive Forrest, this furniture store offers a decent mix of Chinese and Tibetan antiques. Forrest has been sourcing for Chinese furniture for over 17 years; which is why she prides in providing us with artisan home accessories inspired by both oriental and western design aesthetics. Temple jars, statues, decorative plates, ladders and buckets are just some of the many pieces the store offers.
LUXURY CHINESE-INSPIRED HOMEWARES
Owned by Hong Kong entrepreneur and big shot Sir David Tang, Tang Tang Tang Tang is a luxury furniture and homewares store that oozes elegance and sophistication. The store itself looks like the inside of a luxurious mansion as it embodies subtle Chinese aesthetics using key colours of grey and yellow, complemented by marble flooring. It offers chic colonial Hong Kong furniture and home accessories with a Western twist. This is the store to go to if you want nothing but classy and exquisite pieces of art for your homes.
BRITISH AND AMERICAN FURNITURE FROM THE 1950s
Timothy Oulton’s Gough Street Gallery in Central offers an eclectic mix of finishes and textures from the British heritage and culture. You’ll feel like you’ve entered a gentleman’s pad with its sleek furnishings and chandeliers. The store offers rustic and elegant accessories from the “Beat” generation in the 1950s, America and inspirations from the Victoria and Albert Museum in London. The space also welcomes art exhibitions and whisky tastings. How classy!
LAVISH AND MODERN EUROPEAN FURNITURE
ViA’s showroom features lavish and top-of-the-line European furniture, kitchenware and sanitary fittings. These pieces are carefully curated from various international brands to keep up with ViA’s commitment of giving their customers the most sophisticated and top-notch quality pieces. Their collection includes a series of rugs and vases to adorn your homes. You’ll also realize your basic homeware can be both functional and aesthetically pleasing once you view their kitchen display areas.
Elegant homewares decked in neutral hues
As its name suggests, White Contemporary Homewares, is a perfect accompaniment for modern homes with a soft contemporary theme. You will encounter an array of homewares decked in neutral hues like whites, beiges, and soft greys – together with the occasional splash of colour. A stellar range of unique home accessories to soft furnishings and even home fragrances are available at this shop. It is no wonder this furniture shop is sought after by many designers.
GUIDE TO HOMEWARES IN HONG KONG
If you’re an avid shopper like us, you’re probably well aware that Hong Kong is Asia’s answer to the Big Apple. During our recent shopping trip to Hong Kong, we were delighted to encounter a series of fashion accessories shops, offering up a slew of various styles, scattered around the city. So we’ve sieved the best accessories boutiques and e-commerce sites that carry trendy, classic and cutting-edge designs by up-and-coming and local designers, just for you.
The next time you tour this vibrant city, be sure to include accessories in your Hong Kong shopping guide. Happy shopping in Hong Kong!
LUXURY ITALIAN LEATHER HANDBAGS
Charming Pop is a boutique that offers Italian leather handbags and accessories like satchels, clutches and wallets. The unique quality about this boutique is all products are made with special tanning techniques that are less harmful to the environment compared regular tanned leather. These bags would definitely catch your eye with its bold and vibrant colours and designs. Apart from that, the bags have spacious compartments, making it the perfect choice for travelling in style!
PARISIAN LUXURY LEATHER GOODS
Immerse yourselves into one of the greatest fashion capitals of the world at Sai Street! Chateau Zoobeetle mirrors the interior of a modern Parisian apartment with a selection of vintage décor pieces and furniture. Its two-storey boutique features a curated selection of ready-to-wear Parisian accessories and cosmetics. Our current favourite is their collection of exotic and elegant luggage tags made from snakeskin!
Leather accessories in vibrant colours
Lianca Central selects the finest materials that adhere to their high standards. This stylish boutique manufactures and retails leather accessories like bags, pouches, stationeries and wallets in simple designs but vibrant colours. They play a strong emphasise on colour as they believe that it has an emotional effect on users. Whether you’re looking for a perfect gift for a loved one – or gifting yourself, this is the place to look in on.
Accessories made with the best Italian leathers
A stunning leather goods labels, Made in Eden boasts gorgeous leather accessories, intricate craftsmanship and top-notch materials, using only the best Italian leathers and 100% natural full grain vegetable tanning. Made in Eden oozes sophistication with a modern take on classic designs. You’ll be spoilt for choice by a variety of satchels, totes, messenger bags, wallets, clutches and card and key holders.
LEATHER ACCESSORIES WITH A QUIRKY EDGE
Matter Matters is a leather goods label that specialises in tote bags, wallets, and iPad cases. They use combinations of materials, geometric shapes and postmodern aesthetics to produce modern and witty accessories. Designer and owner, Flora Leung feels that her creations should always be fun, practical and fresh. These designs are eccentric and look like they’ve been taken out of a comic book.
Exotic leather accessories
Specialising in ethical and sustainable exotic leathers such as crocodile, ostrich, snake and lizard, The Black Label creates beautiful handmade accessories such as wallets, cardholders, bangles and even phone covers that are as practical as they are stunning. The Black Label also takes it up a notch by including splashes of colour in its accessories. Whether your style speaks trendy or classy – they have them all.
Experimental fashion accessories
Under the ideology of ‘A Lab in a Forest’, the creators at Timbee Lo constantly explore every element by combining products of nature such as animals, plants and minerals. This experimental concept is a big hit with customers. The highlight of the store is their quirky accessories. Their headwear, shades, handbags, brooches, chunky earrings, statement necklaces, 3-D bangles and phone covers are made with unconventional items like animal figurines and 3-D items.
Korean and French inspired Accessories
Uber Tunique is a store that every girl and woman would like to visit. The blend of art, fashion, and style creates extensive options for accessories. The creator of Uber Tunique, Amandine, combines the fashion and style of both her origin (Korea) and life in France. The women’s fashion label has something for every lady, as it brings forth a dynamic sense of style to suit your unique personality.
GUIDE TO ACCESSORIES IN HONG KONG
