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Highlights of Hong Kong

I've been away for the last month or so, to Australia and to Hong Kong, with two of my favourite people. While there is much to reflect on and share, I want to begin with some highlights from the vibrant five days I spent in Hong Kong. 


1. THE PEAK


Renowned for its view of the city, we took a tram up one night to the Peak to see the skyline. After a very lazy day, we were keen to really see Hong Kong. When we finally made it to the viewing deck, the stormy weather meant we could, unfortunately, see absolutely nothing; we were literally in a cloud. An hour or so at a restaurant in the accompanying mall and the skies had cleared, leaving us with a breathtaking cityscape with some lightning bolts to add to the magic.


2. STANLEY BAY



While Hong Kong is probably associated more with its urban centre, a short and scenic taxi took us to the very different landscape of the coastline. It wasn't your Australian beach but it was beautiful, and definitely worth the trip. 


 3. SAM'S TAILOR




Known for the alleged '24 hour suit', we stopped off in Sam's tailor just out of curiousity, and left with two orders in for custom made outfits. The experience of having something made perfectly for you was pretty dazzling, from choosing the lining, the buttons and the cut to the final fittings, it was something I will never forget. 


4. STAR FERRY



One of my few memories from visiting Hong Kong as a child was the stunning and accesible views of the star ferry. As a commute, day or night, it never failed to impress. 
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PRINT MATTERS

As part of the International Fashion Showcase, Print Matters is an exhibition that explores the relationship between Korean designers and magazines. Inspired by the theme of this years International Fashion Showcase, Utopia, and the recent Print Revival among today's youth, the exhibit had a range of creative interpretations.


My favourite collection was by Han Kim. I asked him a few questions about his inspiration, and he mentioned a variety of sources including an article referencing two dear running across Golden Gate Bridge and the concept of Alice In Wonderland Syndrome. I also asked him about the magnificent embroidery featured in his pieces, which apparently took him and his team about four months to complete.


The playful use of colour and shape was fun and outgoing. These Korean designers looked to the possibilities of the future, rather than the comfort and classics of the past.

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Style Sharing exhibition at the Korean Culture Centre

Last night I went to the opening of the Style Sharing exhibition at the Korean Culture Centre. The exhibition explores the relationship between Korean and British styles and showcases a number of upcoming designers. It highlights the influence studying in Britain has had on these Korean designers, and how the two cultures overlap through fashion. Whenever I think fashion has run out of steam or I'm in a creative rut, I always look to Asian designs to prove me wrong and inspire me. This was one of those  times.




I was immediately drawn to these draped silhouettes by Hyunsoo Heather Park. This collection was inspired by the way people express themselves in states of suppression. She incorporated elements drawn from the indie rock band Art Brut, criminal tattoos and prison uniforms. I like the fact she used a 'happy' colour palette despite the darker themes of the collection.


A particular favourite piece of mine was the above white leather jacket by Heowan Simulation. I think the contrast between the white leather and lace is really interesting, and I've never seen something like that before.



Jinhee Moon's creative use of colour and texture was fantastic. Each piece was very much its own, but they were still all cohesive as a whole collection.


Designer Rok Hwang used this timeless camel colour and fabric to create these classic yet contemporary pieces for his label rokh.


I loved the short films by Eoin Glaister which accompanied certain collections. They really reflected the digital world and how it can tie into fashion and these two cultures.



Nayoung Moon's unorthodox yet impressive structures and shapes. 



After looking around I had a chat with Tory Turk, a curator of the exhibition, about her inspiration. She said that she wanted the exhibition to show the overlap of the life and culture of both Korean and British styles, and not just the fashion. If you look carefully at each creation you can see elements of both cultures and the impact living in London has had on the designers.

Overall the innovative designs showed the rich and diverse creativity which stemmed from South Korea, and developed further in London. The exhibition is open until April 4th and you can find more details HERE.

-Lexi xo

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