Hong Kong Design Centre

DMatters June 2023 Issue

Collaboration across borders holds the key to establishing the presence of local fashion designers on the international stage. While our designers possess talent and visions, they need substantial support to transform their ideas into strengths. This support includes subsidies, workplace resources, and a platform for them to share their stories.

In this edition, we delve into the success stories of 3 current incubatees from Fashion Incubation Programme (FIP) who have achieved remarkable accomplishments with the assistance of FIP.

REDEMPTIVE - A value represents rebellious youth and the intricate journey of maturation

Founded in 2018 by Wilson Choi, REDEMPTIVE is an urban wear label that captures the spirit of teenage rebellion, catering to a new generation. Before joining FIP, REDEMPTIVE has gained some recognition from the industry, like being named one of the top 10 emerging menswear labels in the 'TRANOÏ x Not Just a Label 10 Take Ten' showcase at Paris Fashion Week in 2019, and the first Hong Kong-based finalist for the prestigious YU PRIZE Creative Award at Shanghai Fashion Week in 2021. These achievements underscore the importance of having continuous presence at fashion events for exposure and, mostly importantly, buyers’ interest, as Wilson has come to realise.

Wilson Choi

 

With that realisation, FIP has played a pivotal role in supporting Wilson's aspirations. FIP has provided valuable resources and opportunities for REDEMPTIVE to showcase its collections and participate in events like AW23 Paris Fashion Week and Labelhood of Shanghai Fashion Week. These opportunities have expanded the brand's awareness and market reach, driving REDEMPTIVE to scale new heights. 

REDEMPTIVE‘s Autumn/Winter 2023 collection merges fashion with technology

In addition to presenting the collections to a wider audience, the financial assistance provided by FIP has enabled REDEMPTIVE to conduct experiments with technologies like 3D printing, pushing the boundaries of design and materials for enhanced innovation and competitiveness. Its latest Autumn/Winter 2023 collection merges fashion with technology, featuring laser cuttings to create torn marks on fabric, symbolizing the yearning for rebellious youth and the complexities of growing up. These unique features have successfully attracted the attention of detail-oriented and socially conscious young Chinese consumers.

YMDH - A high street fashion brand portrays the local spirit with authenticity and flair

Founded in 2018 by Jason Lee, YMDH, an acronym for You Make Daddy Happy, proudly represents the creativity, novelty and freedom of Hong Kong. With a focus on individuality, imagination and a unique neo-orientalism, the brand has garnered a strong following among local influencers and has been featured in prestigious publications like Vogue Hong Kong, Jet Magazine and Milk Magazine, etc.

Jason (Left), fashionshow performing guest Rapper Wolfe and models at the backstage

As brandswork to navigate their needs with limited resources, finding the balance between creativity and commerciality could be a daunting task for emerging designers like YMDH. Fortunately, FIP’s financing and workplace resources serve as stable backend for Jason, allowing this talented designer to further transform creative ideas into concrete projects and continue growing at a steady pace. 

Jason presented YMDH's latest project, Gong Wu 2.0 at Fashion Farm Foundation’s GBA Fashion Fusion Show in Shenzhen.

YMDH's latest project, Gong Wu 2.0, combines technology and craftsmanship to create a contemporary oriental world, showcasing the brand's dedication to pushing the boundaries of garment design. With the aim to sharing countercultures and creativity across borders, YMDH took the opportunity to make a mark on Fashion Farm Foundation’s GBA Fashion Fusion Show in Shenzhen. Jason looks forward to embarking on more exciting projects and expanding the brand's vision to a global market, establishing connections with the world beyond the Greater Bay Area.

KEVIN HO - A women's fashion brand celebrating the essence of structure and femininity

Kevin Ho  established his namesake label in 2015, aiming to balance power and gentleness while expressing women's individuality and modernity through striking silhouettes and vibrant, contrasting colors. The brand has been showcased at Tokyo, New York, and Taipei Fashion Weeks, and featured in renowned publications such as Vogue Italia, GQ China, ELLE.

Kevin Ho

To showcase both his brand and his beloved city, Hong Kong, Kevin understands the importance of venturing beyond borders and cites the city’s night view as a major inspiration for his latest Autumn/Winter 2023 collection. Participating in FIP has been a crucial step, providing him with branding consultation, and a clearer vision for taking his brand to the next level. The programme offers networking opportunities with renowned manufacturers and suppliers, allowing Kevin to stay updated on the latest technologies and materials, hence developing more versatile new collections.

The mesmerising night view of Hong Kong inspires KEVIN HO’s Autumn/Winter 2023 collection

Recently, Kevin has stolen the regional spotlight at Fashion Farm Foundation’s GBA Fashion Fusion Show in Guangzhou Fashion Week with his elevated collection, thus introducing his brand to the Mainland market. These events have provided Kevin with the chance to interact with designers from the region, fostering cultural exchange and sharing design ideas. Passionate about making both local and regional impact, it has allowed him to represent Hong Kong as a fashion designer in the Greater Bay Area.