The ancient Silk Road once connected the East and the West, facilitating the exchange of goods, ideas and culture, including fashion. This influence was felt in the attires everywhere—from Rome to Persia—with prized silk from the East playing a key role. Today, that cultural fusion is alive in Hong Kong, a vibrant city where the East meets the West in modern, dynamic ways. This November, the Hong Kong Fashion Designers Association (HKFDA) presents Virtuose, a couture showcase that celebrates this rich legacy of exchange.
Established in 1984, the HKFDA has become a driving force in the city’s fashion landscape, bringing together designers to foster creativity and take the industry to new heights. It has grown into a crucial platform for innovation and collaboration, extending its influence locally and internationally.
“Virtuose: The Artistry of Couture” will be held on November 25 (Photo: courtesy of HKFDA)
Virtuose, held at The Henderson, the city’s latest architectural landmark, brings together a line-up of visionary designers. Kay Kwok, known for his futuristic, digitally innovative designs, embodies Hong Kong’s cutting-edge energy. His work merges fashion and technology to create digital couture that reflects the city’s bold spirit.
Cheney Chan draws inspiration from traditional Chinese culture, blending heritage elements with contemporary design. His meticulous craftsmanship is influenced by porcelain, and a key feature of his work is Feng Ya Qi (elegant curves of porcelain), through which he reinterprets the traditional corset.
Charles de Vilmorin is celebrated for his bold, poetic designs featuring dreamlike, hand-painted motifs. He gained international recognition when he created a tableau titled Liberté for the Paris 2024 Olympic Games opening ceremony.
Mohamed Benchellal is known for his sleek, sculptural evening wear that combines modern silhouettes with traditional Moroccan craftsmanship. His designs have made him a favourite among Hollywood celebs like Sharon Stone, Billy Porter, Alicia Keys and Iris Apfel.
Kay Kwok is the first Hong Kong designer to have dressed Beyoncé for her world tour Renaissance 2024 (Photo: courtesy of Kay Kwok)
Fan Bingbing in Benchellal’s haute couture (Photo: courtesy of Benchellal)
The show will bring these designers together in a stunning couture display, with a 270-degree view of the Hong Kong skyline. Guests will experience a lively mix of fashion, art and culture as the garments change under different lighting, creating a beautiful visual experience that highlights the craftsmanship of each piece.
Virtuose also highlights Hong Kong’s growing role as an international fashion centre. Regarding Hong Kong’s role in the global couture market, HKFDA project curator Bonita Cheung says: “Many people may not realise how many international couture designers have been coming to Hong Kong for fittings with clients across Asia. This shows the great potential we have to make Hong Kong a leading couture hub.”
Dilraba Dilmurat wears Cheney Chan haute couture (Photo: courtesy of Cheney Chan)
Charles de Vilmorin’s fall-winter 2024 haute couture, ‘A Gothic Fairytale’ (Photo: courtesy of Charles de Vilmorin)
Hong Kong’s position as a bridge between the East and the West, adds Cheung, also makes it the perfect place to unite designers from across Asia and beyond. Recent milestones, such as Robert Wun’s homecoming show and Guo Pei’s exhibition at M+ Museum, have firmly established the city as a rising couture capital.
With its rich mix of heritage and innovation, Hong Kong could be set to become the new fashion melting pot, echoing the legacy of the ancient Silk Road.
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