Image: Shanghai Tang
The Christmas and New Year fêtes may be over but another festive occasion that is just about to make a crackling appearance is the Lunar New Year. Chinese New Year goodies, decorations, reunion dinners and red packets aside, strutting in our brand new CNY outfits is one of the many highlights we look forward to each year.
To help with your Chinese New Year shopping, we’ve compiled a list of brands that boast a mix of modern and traditional qipao (or cheongsam) collections for women and kids, as well as smart casual to formal wear for men – all in our guide to Oriental Fashion in Hong Kong.
For Kids
Fills the gap between traditional and modern qipaos
Available online | Visit their Facebook page for updates on pop-up stores
A new player in the luxury Kids market, Chinadoll Kids also fills the gap between modern and traditional qipaos for kids. Playful, modern, chic dresses are made with luxurious brocade silks, the traditional touch of hand-sewn techniques as well as a beaded mandarin collar to complete the look. Custom-made dresses are also available upon request.
Adorable designs for infants
This innovative kid’s label believes that kid’s fashion should be not only stylish but functional and affordable as well. The result is a range of playful, modern and adorable designs that incorporate rich colours and fun prints. Select from a collection of long sleeve tees, bodysuits, two-piece kimono sets and rompers. Sizes range from 0-24 months.
Classic and modern qipao dresses with a cause
This ethical childrenswear label constantly creates thoughtful designs made with artisanal hand-woven Filipino textiles. Whilst the fabric is sourced from the Philippines, dresses are sewn in Hong Kong by a talented group of craftswomen. Their qipao collection includes classic and modern qipao dresses clad in a myriad of vibrant colours.
For Ladies and Gents
Avant-garde designs with a Mexican flair and Asian touch
Founded in 2014 by Mexican siblings Rafael and Tamara Raya Cano, RCANO brings authenticity and uniqueness to men’s fashion. The Avant-garde designs give a twist to the classic menswear label, adding a vibrant, colourful Mexican flair – and an Asian touch. Though the pieces don’t necessary scream “Oriental Fashion”, we think some of these designs are going to be instant hits at your reunion dinner parties.
Sensuous silhouettes, edgy cuts, elegant and sheer lace details
Inspired by the bold, eclectic women of Hong Kong, SAU is the answer to modern working women all around the world who have a love for fashion and who aren’t afraid to stand out. Founder and designer, Cheryl Sau manages to create a collection that is classic and timeless, yet modern and devious at the same time. Sensuous silhouettes, edgy cuts, elegant and sheer lace details are some staples you’ll find in the collection.
Sleek, sexy and sophisticated pieces
Since its inception in 1994, Shanghai Tang has been the pioneering international luxury lifestyle brand from China. Shanghai Tang’s iconic qipao dresses are known for exemplifying modern Chinese chic. Sleek, sexy and sophisticated, this season they are coming in a thrilling variety of new fabrics to update classic shapes. Men can select from a collection of formal evening wear including perfectly cut suits, jackets and shirts using specially sourced luxurious materials.
Modern touches on the traditional cheongsam
With an appreciation for the arts and an eye for quality, Yi-ming creates contemporary East-meets-West style garments, combining oriental Chinese detail with western craftsmanship. This fusion of East and West is reflected in their qipao/cheongsam collection where modern touches like ruffles, off-shoulder style trends and snake skin patterned fabrics are incorporated in the traditional cheongsam.
Oriental Fashion in Hong Kong
THIS WEEK’S DREAM DESTINATION AND WHAT TO PACK
Ample shopping hotspots, scrumptious food choices and a plethora of sightseeing gems. The vibrant city of Hong Kong is nothing short of exhilarating.
The perfect trip is nothing without the perfect stay. Now, we do admit that the mesmerising metropolis boasts a fair share of Marriots, Ritz’, Four Seasons and Shangri-Las but if you are a stylish jet-setter who’d rather experience an alternative yet luxurious stay, these 3 boutique hotels in Hong Kong would be ideal for you.
Situated in the heart of Central’s entertainment and business district and next to SoHo is the stunning Ovolo Central Hotel. Part of the award-winning Ovolo Group of hotels, this luxurious boutique hotel scores major points for its prime location, lively atmosphere and spacious rooms.
Chic futuristic design elements; seamlessly combined with mid-century details are reflected in all rooms. An elegant mishmash of brown and white hues and metallics is cleverly used to create a lush surrounding. The onyx-marble shower is the cherry on top. Business travellers will also enjoy the spacious working nook tucked beside a comfy queen size bed.
Grab coffee in the morning, take in all-day nibbles and come back for free-flow of drinks and canapés at the Lo Lounge. A signature at all Ovolo Hotels, this sleek multi-purpose social area is perfect for work, networking or simply unwinding after a long day of sight-seeing.
Perfect for:
Embracing the hustle of the vibrant city
Noteworthy spot:
The Lo Lounge
Worth getting out for:
Shopping! These Hong Kong shopping guides might help
Located in the up-and-coming Kai Tak in the Kowloon district, Pentahotel Hong Kong is a swanky hotel that is perfect for stylish, independent-minded travellers and digital nomads. Though it features an upscale and modern façade, the hotel manages to incorporate local cultural references like murals and knick-knacks.
The vintage and urban crossover are also reflected in all 695 rooms. Scenes of the old Hong Kong are splashed on one side of the room and the use of raw interior like exposed brick and reclaimed oak gives the room a rustic persona. Though the rooms are rather compact, space saving furniture makes it cosy yet functional.
The heart of Pentahotel lies in the Pentalounge – a combination of the lobby, reception area, bar and café. Get a quick whiff of a traditional Hong Kong food court or make your way to the pizza bar. You get the best of both worlds.
Perfect for:
A modern take on the old Hong Kong
Noteworthy spot:
Eaststreet @Pentalounge
Worth getting out for:
Kowloon Walled City Park
What to Pack
Just minutes away from the Causeway Bay shopping enclave is Tuve, a dreamy boutique hotel for urban minimalists. Tucked in the Tin Hau district, this boutique hotel is a nod to stellar modern industrial design, emerging as a visionary masterpiece in the sprawling city.
The subterranean entrance of the hotel may be cold and understated– a metal gate with rounded arches welcomes you – but that’s where the magic lies. Usage of raw materials like flecked marble, textured concrete, carbon, brass, oak and hints of gold cracks that look like lightning creates an alluring mood that is ever so mysterious.
The interior of all 66 rooms screams minimalist with an industrial twist. Concrete wall and flooring create a calm atmosphere. Translucent glass panels and natural wood wall panelling creates warmth and depth. The spacious all-marble walk-in shower complete with bath amenities from “Fresh” is a dream.
Perfect for:
Stepping out of Hong Kong’s tourist bubble
Noteworthy spot:
The marble bathroom
Worth getting out for:
Filling your bellies with local delicacies around Tin Hau
Must-visit boutique hotels in Hong Kong
HONG KONG, P.R China – The 23rd Hong Kong Fashion Week for Spring/Summer closed on a high last week. Held over a span of four eventful days (4-7 July 2016), the event comprised of a trade show featuring over 13 000 buyers from around the globe, a new “Fashion Tech”...
With the surge of activewear and there’s no doubt that the Athleisure trend is here to stay. But why do we only see a surge of homebred activewear for women?
We’ve sieved through the crop and a bring to you a select mix of Men’s Athleisure brands in Hong Kong. Though these shops aren’t labelled as “Athleisure”, we think they would fit the bill anyway – with a varied collection of activewear and streetwear labels.
Uber sleek active wear
Made for active and mindful living, AUMNIE is a health and wellness inspired lifestyle brand that carries yoga and fitness wear as well as ready-to-wear fashion for both men and women. The men’s collection includes uber sleek tank tops, pullovers, lightweight jackets, and bottoms in various styles. Though originally founded in Canada, AUMNIE has since expanded to the Asia-Pacific market.
Hip Street style
Did you know that this brand was established by Asian actor Edison Chen together with fashion designer Kevin Poon? This under-the-radar streetwear label carries some amazing pieces perfect for a post-workout outfit. Clot has even worked with some frontrunners in the industry – including collaborations with Nike, Disney, Coca-Cola and Scion. Their lifestyle store JUICE can be found in major cities across Asia. We hear that JUICE has hosted numerous event and collection launches. Visit JUICE for a taste of hip street style gear.
Experimental streetwear with a modern edge
This streetwear brand immediately catches the eye with its interesting use of texture and fabrics on their pieces. Offering contemporary basics with a modern edge, Mass incorporates quality mesh in a classy way. The result is a range of edgy, and borderline-experimental meshed shorts and sweatshirts; asymmetric zip tanks and bomber jackets. Due to steady sales, founder Mass Luciano is in the talks of releasing a capsule collection every four to six months.
Fun and adorable designs for the family
A little on the light-hearted side, Pumped is the brainchild Petra Schweiger, Denis Giglioli and Betsy Haynes. The creative trio wished there was a line of apparel that was fun, unique, colourful and readily available in Hong Kong. Now, Pumped offers an exciting collection of basic activewear for men, women and kids. The men’s collection boasts cheeky and adorable animated characters printed on vest tops and short sleeve crew neck T-shirts. All items are made of 100% organic cotton and high quality combed yarn.
An emporium for the coolest men’s fashion
The mother – or in this case, the father of all streetwear labels in Hong Kong, Hypebeast impresses with a wide-ranging selection of over 300 international and indie brands. Apart from streetwear and activewear, you will also find everything from footwear, accessories and prints and tech goods. The brands featured at Hypebeast are sourced from all around the globe including New York, Los Angeles, London, Paris, Tokyo, Sydney and more.
MEN’S ATHLEISURE BRANDS IN HONG KONG
Hong Kong has been dubbed the “New York of Asia” time and time again – with good reason. Whether you prefer the swanky air conditional malls or quaint fashion boutiques, Hong Kong shopping is endless. So no surprises that our guide to women’s fashion in Hong Kong brings you a mix of the most cutting edge and coolest brands at the moment.
Join us as we take you through luxurious knitwear, understated staples for work, timeless basics and more.
Decidedly sleek, contemporary pieces
This eponymous label is now one of the hottest brands in Hong Kong and has received much love from both the international fashion world as well as through local celebrity endorsements – and with good reason. Decidedly sleek, with a contemporary feel, Chailie Ho’s pieces exude elegance and sophistication, with soft motifs like hand-painted floral designs across all her scarves and dresses. We particularly love her hand-drawn watercolour scarves as well as her new collection of 100% premium cashmere French lace scarves and – we think you would too.
Luxury chic knitwear
The Antwerp-based fashion designer finally hit shores with a sleek popup at Pacific Place. His creative eye for rich, layered graphics and fresh colours is seamlessly translated into eloquent knitwear and outerwear – a piece of luxury chic to accompany you through the chilly weather. The label’s spring/summer 2016 collection integrates classic Swarovski crystals into layered fringed skirts and spaghetti strap sundresses made out of roughly shaped silk organza and georgette – goes hand in hand with your new knitwear. If this doesn’t entice you to pay a visit, nothing would.
Luxurious fabrics with distinct prints
If there’s a virtual list of the most desirable new generation fashion designers of 2016, Kevin Ho will fit right in. Known for his degree of finesse and edge, his womenswear is like all your favourite high fashion brands rolled into one – with an Asian twist. Luxurious fabrics like velvet and silks adorned with distinct prints and patterns and intricate fringe details are a common sight in his work.
Knitwear in asymmetrical silhouettes
You’d think that a motto like “exploring the possibility of finding harmony between two extremes” would result in a hot mess. Knotz & Linkz proves otherwise. Led by fashion designer Effie Hung – who has worked with the likes of Guy Laroche and Anteprima – the label offers a muster of contemporary knitwear that is relaxed but stylish. Form fitting dresses in asymmetrical silhouettes and structured coats are some staples you’ll find at this fashion house.
An alluring mix of understated workwear
Seeking a work wear wardrobe revamp? Lapee Wee removes all your fashion woes with an elevated version of everyday work wear essentials. Founded in 2013, this fashion label believes in selling a lifestyle rather than just a product. You’ll find an alluring mix of casual to formal wear finished with understated hues, edgy cuts and meticulous details – as shown on the runways of Hong Kong Fashion Week 2016.
Modernity with classicism
Combining modernity with classicism, founder and designer Min draws inspiration from her love of culture and the arts, defining ‘simplicity with depth, romanticism with edge and classicism with a twist’ as the driving spirit behind her diverse collections. The result is a varied collection of lush chinoiserie to crisp mid-century couture for the fashionably savvy woman. There is not one dull piece in her vast collection – timeless basics, outerwear, jumpsuits, knitwear and accessories clad in bold colours and patterns and voluptuous cuts. The choices are endless.
A fun boutique showcasing emerging and independent designers
Finally, a label that puts the fun in fashion. Located at a prime spot in SoHo, the boutique’s colourful storefront immediately reels you in. It’s no different inside, where you’ll encounter pockets of up-to-the-minute women’s fashion pieces that will take you through your day-to-day errands. Polkadot Boutique brings in a fresh collection every other week and month from emerging and independent designers local to Hong Kong as well as from international markets. So rest assured you won’t see the same designs twice. Oh, and be sure to check out their commendable range of jewellery and accessories.
Women’s Fashion in Hong Kong