There was a lot to take in at Centrestage – HK’s version of fashion week, held in September, had four days of non-stop shows and exhibits. The names that stood out were these three here, with S/S ’18 collections showing the world a very different kind of Hong Kong style: original, daring and innovative.
There was a lot to take in at Centrestage – HK’s version of fashion week, held in September, had four days of non-stop shows and exhibits. The names that stood out were these three here, with S/S ’18 collections showing the world a very different kind of Hong Kong style: original, daring and innovative.
HANG
Who’s behind it: Designer Mim Mak started it in 2013. She called the label Hang – the German word for slope – to reflect its concept of three-dimensional clothes that give the wearer, and the viewer, different perspectives from every angle.
What’s in it: For her latest collection, Mak takes apart windbreakers and pieces them together with raw, undyed fabrics to create skirts and dresses. Knotting and weaving techniques also feature prominently.
Most of Ffixxed Studios’ fabrics are sourced from Japan. Excess materials accumulated over every season are upcycled into new designs handwoven by Hong Kong women.
FFIXXED STUDIOS
Who’s behind it: Australian couple Kain Picken and Fiona Lau. He studied fine arts at Melbourne’s Victorian College of the Arts, and she studied fashion at the Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology. The brand began as a collaborative art project between the two in 2008 before becoming a ready-to-wear label in 2010.
What’s in it: Picken calls their clothes “everyday essentials” with a relaxed fit – never too oversized, and usually adjustable – for women and men. “The idea is for our clothes to adapt and respond to, and fit everybody,” says Picken.
MAISON VERMILLION
Who’s behind it: Dora Chu, a graduate of London’s Central Saint Martins, worked for years at Alexander McQueen, Jenny Packham, and Vivienne Tam before launching her label last year.
What’s in it: “Maison Vermillion is inspired by both the heritage and romanticism of the West and the delicacy of Eastern accents,” says Chu. For S/S ’18, the focus is on lacy, silk and crepe de chine evening wear, corsets and ruffle-accented dresses. – RT
Cole Haan Makes Pumps as Comfortable as Its Sneakers
Like every shoe and bag now, this one also has a name. It’s called the Laree Grand Pump, and it features the US brand’s Grandrevolution lightweight flex sole technology. Previously used only in Cole Haan’s sneakers, it features a foamcushioned base that’s made to mould to any foot. It also has padding to relieve stress on the Achilles heel, and a leather outsole with flexible grooves to prevent stress on the balls of the feet. In black suede and fig suede, at $359 a pair.
K.Blu’s First Swimwear for Full Figures
The three-year-old local swimsuit label’s Curve Collection was created based on insights from three years of fitting women of all sizes. How does Curve flatter and fit curvier bodies better? Brand coordinator Hervie Ong says it’s down to the stitching technique and bra cups. “Ruched stitching helps to hide problem areas, and light foam padded cups are more comfortable while still providing sufficient support and coverage.” From $220-$280.
The Little Black Dress
Call it the Saint Laurent effect, or millennial designers resurrecting the ’80s for the new generation (who didn’t truly experience that era either). The wardrobe stalwart for all special moments (dates, events and parties) is back in every way, from short and sexy to punk-inspired and elegantly chic.
The Jeweller to Scandinavian Royalty
Ole Lynggaard Copenhagen, the 53-year-old Danish family-run jeweller, has opened its first Asian flagship store at Ngee Ann City. Appointed Purveyor to the Royal Danish Court in 2008, it counts Denmark’s Princess Mary, as well as Dutch and Swedish royals, as brand loyalists. Designed by father-daughter duo Ole Lynggaard and Charlotte Lynggaard, each piece of jewellery is handcrafted by goldsmiths, and eschews Scandi aesthetic for more elaborate designs in gold, with diamonds and gemstones.
Tiffany & Co.’s Ruby Comeback
Ethics played a big part in the American jeweller’s decision to boycott Myanmar, the world’s largest producer of rubies, over human-rights abuse issues linked to the ruby business. That was why Tiffany & Co. stopped producing ruby pieces in 2003. With ethically-sourced gems from Mozambique, South Africa, the gems are now on some of the brand’s most iconic collections, like Tiffany Keys and T.
Longchamp’s First Capsule
Of the 22 pieces in this collection, called Intempor’elle, 11 will be available here. What’s special about the collection: It celebrates Parisian chic with various items associated with it – the trim biker jacket, graphic black and white, leopard print and, of course, ballet flats. From $415-$4,580.
