Sew far, sew good
As traditional Hong Kong tailors find ways to reach younger audiences, avant-garde fashion designers are reinterpreting beloved staples. Rebecca Lo turns the spotlight on the current state of the city's rag trade.
For instance, Weaveasy is a pouch made from vegan leather that the DIY inclined can make themselves, either in workshops or as a takeaway kit to try at home. "Our customer base is between 35 and 70 years old, and Weaveasy allows us to reach the Gen Z audience," Lau explains.
The brand's upcycled qipao scarf combines the formality of the traditional Chinese garment with a contemporary nonchalance when paired with jeans. "Qipao is about confidence," Lau states. "The seamstress who sews our qipao is a retired pieceworker, and we enjoy a collaborative process. For example, she suggested changing the cut to save on material costs."
Blind by JW designed DiScarvery as a scarf with QR codes linked to different sites around town, enabling the wearer to discover the urban landscape while taking selfies. It led to a successful partnership with Hotel Icon, with the property offering the stylish map-meets-fashion-accessory to its guests.
"We love fashion that offers a degree of personalization," asserts Lau. "We want customers to be part of the design process."
