#1. What gave you the idea to start Cherry Bobbins?

Cherry Bobbins came from working at CASETiFY, being involved in many different campaigns, and listening to the founder talk about what makes a good brand. When I was on photo shoots and dressing plus-size models and when I was shopping for myself and struggling to find clothes, it dawned on me that I’ve been in the industry for 15 years, and nothing is changing. We’re pushing out the same sizes without thought and care about how that relates to the customer.

Clothing right now is mainly designed for about 50% of women, with one body shape — a straight-up-and-down-sized body with no curves. And the alarming fact is that most people don’t realise this. They’ll walk into a store, try on clothes, and when they don’t fit, they walk away thinking there’s something wrong with them — without realising that there isn’t. They’re not in the right store or they’re not shopping the right brand. And that’s really what I want people to take from Cherry Bobbins — this is the brand for the other 50% of people who have been forgotten about for the last three decades.

#2. How difficult is it to find inclusive clothing in Hong Kong? Is there a demand for that category of clothing here?

Definitely. I’ve asked so many women who are sizes 12, 16, 20, where they shop. None of the answers are Hong Kong. It’s all online or they might have to buy something and alter it, or make it bigger, or add elastic to it. Lots of women told me they have to go to ASOS. But they’re shopping online, so they’re not quite sure if it’s going to fit. In Hong Kong, there are very few places on a plus-size scale where you can go. I think there’s one or two stores that I know of, and that is very limited. Even in Australia, a lot of the heritage brands only go up to a size 14 or 16. And we’ve got brands there that offered a size 20, but are now only offering up to a size 18. So it’s definitely not a Hong Kong-specific problem.

#3. How do you design size-inclusive clothing and cater for different body shapes?

I’ve had to actually go back to basics and redesign the way that clothes are made so that anyone from a size 6 curvy to a size 24 curvy of all different shapes can fit these styles. It’s taken a good year just to get it up and running to do the product testing. And I asked people a lot of questions like, “When you buy clothes, what do you often find? How do you resolve this? Or what do you love about clothes?”

I’ve tried to include a whole different range of styles. You’ve got styles that have longer sleeves, cap sleeves, sleeveless, styles that are midi, shorter. You’ve got styles that are not baring your midriff and some that do. But a lot of those pieces only bare the midriff if you have a long waist. So if you have a shorter waist, they end up looking like a dress. If you wanted to wear it up higher, depending on your waist size, you could buy a size smaller. There are styles with elastic in the back, so for women who are bustier, the elastic allows them to get a great shape and be comfortable. And there are styles without elastic for women with smaller busts.

#4. How do you decide your pricing?

We’re a slow fashion brand, so we manufacture in smaller quantities — maybe once or twice a year. It’s more about quality over quantity. And we pay the workers and for the sustainable fabrics we use. We’re not putting pressure on the manufacturers to work at speed and volume. All of those factors are considered in our pricing, but we also want to be mid-fashion. It’s not super cheap, but it’s not unattainable. And it’s something that you want to invest in, wear a lot, and really get a good price per wear, as opposed to wearing something that falls apart within a couple of wears, and then you’re throwing it away and replacing it.

#5. How important is sustainability to your brand?

Sustainability is a part of our story, but it’s not the main focus. What I like about sustainable fabrics is the quality — how they look and feel. It’s a higher quality and you can get a really nice touch and feel on the body and it’s comfortable. But as a small business, it’s really difficult to be fully sustainable in the beginning, unfortunately. We do as much as we can. We use recycled bags made from ocean-bound plastic. We still use some fabrics that are not 100% sustainable or 100% natural. But we do want to deliver a really quality garment and that often means using those sustainable fabrics that have that really lovely luxurious feel.

#6. How daunting was it to actually make that leap to becoming an entrepreneur?

The scariest part is not the leap, it’s not having income regularly. You have to plan in advance, which means saving for a long time and having the foresight to always put money away. But I found the whole process exciting — that I had purpose and this is what I was meant to be doing. It was hard in the beginning because I loved the team I was working in and that was hard to give away. But when you’re growing something with purpose and feel like you’re in a good place, you can’t look back. You’ve got to keep looking forward and seeing how you’re going to be able to do something positive for people.

#7. How much of the Cherry Bobbins philosophy is about accommodating the wearer’s shape vis-à-vis their size?

Size inclusivity is not just about offering the size range, but about designing for different body types. There are people who are size 6 with curves and who struggle to find clothing. I don’t put a clear definition on what is plus size and what are considered straight sizes. It’s more about the inclusivity of the whole size range, so we go from sizes 6 to 24 and offer clothing for people with curves.

And there are so many preconceptions about clothing because it’s usually designed for one shape. People will see something gorgeous and think they’re not going to be able to fit into it. So, for instance, if you’re on our website and you’re not sure what size you are, send an email with your bust and waist measurements, and I will help you match the exact pieces that will fit you. I’ll look at other people who are your size or similar to your size and find something based on the styles that fit them. So I hope that helps dispel the myth that buying online is not possible. It definitely is possible, but it might just require a little more help or you might just need to reach out to somebody for advice.

#8. Apart from the website, do plan to open a physical store or do pop-ups?

We’re talking to different people about pop-ups, but I’m not sure when that’s going to happen. A store would need a longer investment, but we definitely would love to work with Women of Hong Kong — they do some fantastic events within their space — and any other opportunities that come up. We have a stockist in Australia as well. They’re doing some pop-up events and they have a store. I think that’s also a great way for people to go and try clothes on just to make sure they get the right size.

Visit the Cherry Bobbins website to check out their designs and sizes. Email them to send in your measurements to get the best fit for your body shape.

Cherisse Kofod founded Cherry Bobbins, a Hong Kong-based plus-size and size-inclusive clothing made for curves, in 2023. Before that, Cherisse was the CASETiFY Country Manager for the Australia and New Zealand markets. She also worked with London-based Net-a-Porter and Australian company Cue Clothing Co. Cherisse has experience working in digital marketing, e-commerce management, high-volume retail, production, and wholesale distribution.

(This interview has been edited and condensed.)

Disclaimer: The opinions expressed in this publication are those of the authors and do not necessarily represent the views of The HK HUB.

Image credits: Cherry Bobbins

*This interview was done under a paid partnership policy. Reach out if you’d like to be featured!

Hey there, fellow curvy ladies and gents in Hong Kong! We all know the struggle of finding fashionable and affordable clothing that fits our bodies just right. It’s honestly like searching for a needle in a haystack. But fear not, because we’ve got you covered! Here are the top spots to check out for all your plus-size shopping needs in Hong Kong.

Plus size stores

Believe it or not, there are a couple of dedicated plus size clothing stores across Hong Kong that cater specifically to bigger bodies. Created by fellow disgruntled individuals who decided to take their fashion crises into their own hands, they are a great option.

Cherry Bobbins — Online*

Founded in 2023, Cherry Bobbins is a plus-size and inclusive-size clothing brand that celebrates the diversity of women’s bodies. Cherry Bobbins offers sizes 6-24 for curvy women and has a variety of dresses, as well as tops, shorts, and skirts — which you can mix and match or buy as matching sets. The website has a comprehensive sizing chart and a guide to how customers should measure themselves before they make a purchase. The brand provides a lot of flexibility within their designs to ensure they fit their customers well. There are styles with elastic in the back for women with larger busts, and styles without elastic for customers with smaller busts. If you’re unsure of your size, email the brand with your measurements and they will help you find designs that will work for your size and body type.

Contact: Website | Instagram | Facebook | info@cherrybobbins.com | +852 9445 9856

Fashion Corner Plus — Lai Chi Kok

Created by Makalya Ng, the clothes are custom tailored with plus size girls’ body shapes in mind. Carrying sizes M to 4XL, you no longer need to think about what is “flattering” or not – wear what you love! They carry everything from bras and activewear to cute skirts and plus size dresses. And don’t forget to tag #ourcurvystyle to further empower the community to embrace themselves.

Shop: www.fashioncornerplus.com

My Rules — Kwai Chung

With a mission to help you “fall in love with yourself in front of the mirror every day”, My Rules has a TON of amazing clothes for sizes L, XL, and XXL. Their dresses in particular are super cute and girly, and affordable too. You can find cute outfits for under HK$500 at My Rules.

Shop: www.myruleshk.com

XSXXL — Kwun Tong, Kwai Hing

Men, don’t worry, we found options for you too! Since 2007, XSXXL has provided plus size clothing options for men. They source products from around the world, specifically Japan and the United States with popular brands including Wrangler, Ralph Lauren, Stussy, and Adidas. T-shirts, jeans, hoodies, they’ve got it all! They also have in-person stores which allows you to try and check out what you like in a safe and comfortable environment. 

Shop: www.store.xsxxl.com

Thrift/secondhand plus size clothing

We cannot ignore the environmental impact of fast fashion, and fashion in general. But unfortunately, there aren’t that many sustainable brands making great plus size clothing (except for the couple we’ve included below!). So personally, I like to shop secondhand. 

Hong Kong Curvy Swap and Sell — Facebook

This group is a wonderful place to swap and sell secondhand fashion for curvy women in Hong Kong. You can often find dresses, tops, skirts and even shoes in brands and sizes that you might otherwise not be able to find! It is truly a supportive community that often shares tips too. Plus, this is a great opportunity for you to pass on your own unused clothes and earn a little bit of pocket money.

Shop: Facebook

Green Ladies/Redress/Carousell — Multiple locations, online

These secondhand platforms for plus size fashion can be a hit or a miss but are worth checking out if you’re open to spending time exploring and hunting. I have over the years gotten some great gems, especially in the Wan Chai Green Ladies and in the Redress pop-ups. These might be a safer bet as you can try and check the clothes in person. On the other hand, Carousell has a huge platform, with over 250 returns coming up for XXL dresses, but it is not always reliable. I once had someone sell me boots with both the heels broken!

Shop: www.gl.sjs.org.hk, www.redress.com.hk, www.carousell.com.hk

Hong Kong plus size fashion brands

Beam Bold — Online

Audra Gordon, founder of Beam Bold, is one of the leaders in this field. They believe in providing designs to inspire women to embrace their individuality. Not only do they offer sizes up to 3XL but they also offer a variety of lengths, including petite, short, regular, and tall AND can do custom orders. Plus, they are also committed to sustainability with a mission to reduce textile waste. And of course, the colours and designs are incredible!

Shop: www.beambold.com

Annibody — Online

Named after the word “any body”, Annibody is made for women in different shapes and sizes. Annibody creates high-quality bodysuits to celebrate the freedom and beauty of women’s bodies with a minimalist aesthetic. They do bodysuits, swimsuits, linens and dresses and sizes go up to 3XL with pre-order. Super comfy, super versatile, super inclusive!

Shop: www.annibody.com

October Eighteen — Online

Creating capsule collections of fresh, versatile, and timeless pieces which are 90% produced in Hong Kong makes October Eighteen the perfect option for sustainability-minded plus size women. They carry sizes up to XXL or UK size 16. Plus, if your measurements fall outside of the chart, they offer made-to-measure service at no extra cost.

Shop: www.octobereighteen.com

She Creates Stories — Online

Sourcing plus size women’s clothing from Australia, She Creates Stories wants to provide high-quality, on-trend fashion no matter what your size. They are the ultimate plush fashion destination for plus size swimwear, womenswear, and accessories. From cute, boho dresses to comfy activewear, there are tons of options up to XXL (and some even go up to size 22) at She Creates Stories. They also have the option of sorting by fit, which includes curve, tall, and petite.

Shop: www.shecreatesstories.com

Custom-fitted curvy clothing

Love It HK — Central

Love It HK understands that not all bodies are the same. In fact, if you buy ready-to-wear, there’s a 90% chance the torso length won’t match yours. So, they have a solution! They offer three great options – customized, tailormade, and ready-to-wear clothes. Now you will always feel confident in your clothes. Just pop into their Central boutique and get fitted.

Shop: www.loveit.com.hk

Unspun — Sheung Wan

Buying jeans that fit just right is NEVER easy – so Unspun uses technology and innovation to create custom jeans. Thus, your perfect pair, always. Plus, since they never make clothes before they find a home, there is no waste. Their mission is to make the design, manufacturing, and consumption of fashion intentional so you can look good and be good to the environment.

Shop: www.unspun.io

Frey Tailored — Central, Tsim Sha Tsui

If you are looking for high-quality staple pieces that will last long beyond a few seasons, Frey has got you. They offer standard sizes up to EU46 or XL but also offer the plus size fashion option to create custom sizes that are the perfect fit for you. You can take your desires and wishes for clothes and Frey will try and make it a reality for you!

Shop: www.frey-tailored.com

International brands with larger sizing

Finally, there are a number of international brands that are the go-to for curvier women in Hong Kong. Marks & Spencer usually offers up to UK size 16 in stores and goes up to 24 online. COS is another favourite. Phase Eight and Hobbs are British brands that have stores in Hong Kong that carry up to XXL or UK size 20. If you have a slightly bigger budget, you can’t go wrong with Diane Von Furstenburg, which carries sizes up to XXL or US size 16. 

Header image credits: Zanteia

*This article is a paid collaboration. To know more, read our Ethics & Transparency statement or visit this page if you’d like to advertise with us.

The collection was unveiled at MAMO, Centre d’art de la Cité radieuse in Marseille, France on May 2. It was designed by Chanel’s creative director, Virginie Viard, and combines an underwater reverie with reflections of the sun through embroideries, diving hoods, sequinned jackets, and swimwear.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by CHANEL (@chanelofficial)

This will be the second major international fashion event in the city in the past year, after Louis Vuitton held its first runway show in Hong Kong last November to reveal its Men’s Pre-Fall 2024 collection. The event at the Avenue of Stars in Tsim Sha Tsui was attended by Pharrell Williams, the fashion house’s creative director, as well as high-profile celebrities and A-listers from Hong Kong and Asia, such as film star Chow Yun-fat, members of the Cantopop boy band MIRROR, and Korean actor Song Joong-ki.

Earlier this year, French luxury fashion house Dior announced that Hong Kong would host its men’s pre-fall collection on March 23 to showcase Kim Jones’s designs. The event was part of the city’s Art March 2024 line-up, but was postponed indefinitely about a month before the show. 

Header image credits: Chanel

Why Is Hong Kong Famous For Bespoke Tailors?

With a heritage of exceptional craftsmanship dating back to the 1920s, Hong Kong’s bespoke tailoring industry attracts a prestigious clientele, including world leaders and celebrities like Bill Clinton, David Bowie and Michael Jackson.  Celebrated for their unmatched attention to detail, some tailors offer services including the “24-hour suit” for travellers in a hurry, although typically, creating the perfect fit requires 2–3 fittings.

In the 1960s, Hong Kong was hailed as the new Savile Row, surpassing London as the capital of bespoke tailoring. Even with the emergence of ready-to-wear suits, Hong Kong has maintained its status as a premier destination for exquisite, tailor-made garments.Tailors frequently visit the US and the UK to take personal measurements and showcase fabric samples, with the final product delivered to the customer’s doorstep.

Today, If you walk by Central, Sheung Wan or Tsim Sha Tsui, you can miss the numerous tailor shops. Hong Kong’s tailoring heritage is continually supported by public figures like Hari Harilela, sustaining its reputation as a global leader in bespoke tailoring.

Favourite Fashions* – Tsim Sha Tsui

Favourite Fashions, a bespoke tailor with nearly five decades of experience, specialises in crafting custom suits, shirts, and dresses for both men and women. Utilising only the finest fabrics from renowned mills, their team of skilled artisans offers a personalised service, both in-person and online, tailored to your specific preferences and body shape. Whether you’re seeking a sophisticated evening gown, a sharp business suit, or a stylish casual outfit, they work closely with you to realise your unique fashion vision. Committed to serving clients worldwide, Favourite Fashions aims to preserve the age-old craft of tailoring for future generations.

Location: Shop 9C, Ground Floor, Mirador Mansion Arcade, 9-13 Bristol Avenue, Tsim Sha Tsui
Contact: Website | Facebook | Instagram | +852 2366 9171

Apsley Bespoke Tailors – Tsim Sha Tsui

Founded in 1889, Apsley Tailors is a top choice in Hong Kong for tailor-made suits. With a history of serving the British Army, Royal Navy, sports clubs, and business elites, they offer superior craftsmanship. Choose from a vast fabric selection for suits that fit perfectly and showcase your personality. Upcoming tour to Australia is announced on the website.

Location: Shop G & H, G/F, Burlington Arcade, 90-94c Nathan Rd, Tsim Sha Tsui
Contact: Website | +852 2366 6612

Cheung Hing Tailor – Central

A long-standing bespoke tailor in Hong Kong, Cheung Hing Tailor in Central provides a vast selection of thousands of fabric options to ensure a perfect match for every taste. From initial fabric selection to final fitting, skilled tailors guide clients through a customised process, offering several styles, from traditional to slim-fit suits, at competitive prices.

Location: 4F, Man Hing Commercial Building, 79-83 Queen’s Road Central, Central
Contact: +852 2523 9737

Chinese Custom Tailor – Tsim Sha Tsui

With 52 years of expertise, Chinese Custom Tailor delivers tailor-made suits and high-quality garments globally, including for acclaimed clients like the Boston Celtics. Offering an extensive selection of over 3,000 fabrics and a variety of elegant styles, they craft premium quality suits customised to your tastes, guaranteeing great value for your investment.

Location: Shop 22, G/F Mirador Mansion, Tsim Sha Tsui
Contact: Website | +852 2314 7064

Christine L – Causeway Bay

A young player in the field, local menswear designer Christine established her own bespoke tailoring brand in 2010. Focused on crafting suits that strike the perfect balance between simplicity and style, she infuses a personal touch into every piece, making sure it mirrors the unique style of its wearer. With over 400 fabric options, including playful patterns, she promises an exclusive tailoring experience at affordable prices.

Location: 2M, 2/F., Po Ming Building, 2 Foo Ming Street, Causeway Bay
Contact: Website | +852 2891 0685 | +852 9610 3939

David Fashions – Tsim Sha Tsui

Since 1986, the master tailor and founder of DAVID FASHIONS, David Budhrani, has been crafting high-quality, tailor-made suits for both ladies and gents. Serving a diverse clientele from bankers to diplomats, he takes great pride in his workmanship. Now, with online ordering available, you can easily explore their extensive gallery, ranging from business to business casual attire, all offered at affordable prices with efficient service.

Location: Shop #6, G/F, Empress Plaza, 17-19 Chatham Road South, Tsim Sha Tsui
Contact: Website | Instagram | Facebook | +852 6300 5105

House Tailor Place – Tsim Sha Tsui

Located in Tsim Sha Tsui’s Regal Kowloon Hotel, House Tailor Place is the go-to spot for custom, up-to-date tailoring needs. Offering professional and modern styling services, they cater to each customer’s unique preferences, setting them apart from traditional tailors.

Location: Room 101 – 102, 1/F, Regal Kowloon Hotel, 71 Mody Road, Tsim Sha Tsui
Contact: Website | +852 2739 8128

Manhattan Bespoke Custom Tailor – Tsim Sha Tsui

Manhattan Bespoke Custom Tailor has crafted the finest bespoke clothing since 1996. Their team, including exceptional Shanghai cutters and over 200 artisans, selects premium fabrics from elite global clothiers such as Ermenegildo Zegna, Loro Piana, and Holland & Sherry, ensuring each custom-made garment is of unparalleled quality.

Location: Unit E, Ground Floor, Mercantile House, 186 Nathan Road, Tsim Sha Tsui
Contact: Website | Facebook | +852 2302 0728

Manning Company – Tsim Sha Tsui

Manning Company stands out as one of the best tailors in Hong Kong, crafting high-quality garments that define an individual’s unique panache and personality. Their expert crew serves leaders across various fields and travels for personalised fittings worldwide. Combining cultural heritage with modern designs, they create one-of-a-kind suits and fashion pieces for both men and women.

Location: Shop 22B, G/F, Hankow Centre, 5-15 Hankow Road, Tsim Sha Tsui
Contact: Website | +852 2111 1955 | +852 5169 7732 (Whatsapp)

Savile Row Hong Kong – Causeway Bay

Named after the iconic London street renowned for tailoring, Savile Row Hong Kong excels in crafting premium custom suits for men. Other than an extensive range of fine fabrics and the option for personalised alterations in-store, the brand also offers a comprehensive menswear collection, including shirts, outerwear, accessories, and shoes. Tailoring orders are backed by their 90-day SavileCare guarantee for a perfect fit.

Location: Room 3, 19/F, The Goldmark, 502 Hennessy Road, Causeway Bay
Contact: Website | Instagram | Facebook | +852 9015 3759 (Whatsapp)

Looking for a wardrobe refresh or a new look? Discover the finest offerings in town to elevate your style today:

• Best shopping malls in Hong Kong
• Best outlet malls in Hong Kong
• Best clothing stores in Hong Kong
• Best plus-size clothing stores in Hong Kong

*This article was done in collaboration with the abovementioned tailors. Reach out if you’d like to be included!

Header image credit: Tima Miroshnichenko via Pexels

What are traditional Chinese clothings?

Looking to immerse yourself in the festival spirit by wearing traditional Chinese clothing? Here are four types of garments to consider:

Hanfu (漢服)

With a history dating back over 4,000 years, hanfu is the perfect example of traditional Chinese costume. Characterised by an open cross-collar, full-body robes, and intricate accessories, hanfu is simple yet elegant. Thanks to Chinese social media platforms like Douyin and Xiaohongshu, this style of dresses is now popularly worn not just for festivals and weddings, but also as a fashionable choice for photos.

Qipao & Cheongsam (旗袍 & 長衫)

Qipao, known for its form-fitting elegance, evolved from the Manchu women’s long gown, or cheongsam. The dress beautifully merges traditional Chinese aesthetics with modern styles, evident in variations like the Beijing, Shanghai, and Hong Kong designs. Today, qipao is a popular choice for festive occasions, embodying grace and cultural pride.

Tang Suit or Tang Zhuang (唐裝)

The Tang suit (or Tang Zhuang in Mandarin), typically a jacket with a Mandarin collar and frog buttons, originated not from the Tang Dynasty but from the Manchurian magua (馬褂). Often decorated with auspicious symbols and Chinese characters, it is commonly worn by both men and women for significant events, including Chinese New Year.

Zhongshan Suit (中山裝)

Dr. Sun Yat-sen, the former president of the Republic of China and known in Mandarin as Sun Zhongshan, is credited with creating the Zhongshan suit, also popularly referred to as the “Mao suit”. This attire has soon become the chosen outfit among politicians, including Chinese political leaders like President Xi Jinping. Characterised by its four practical pockets across the chest and waist, along with a stand-up collar, the Zhongshan suit is suitable for both formal and casual occasions for men. Its symmetrical design and subtle, plain colours ensure a dignified appearance for those who appreciate understated elegance.

What colours to wear during Lunar New Year

In places where Lunar New Year is celebrated, ringing in the new year goes beyond making resolutions—it’s all about making a fresh start, ensuring good luck and fortune for the coming year. When it comes to clothing, people also love to wear the “right colours” during the 15-day celebration, even if they’re not opting for traditional Chinese costume.

• Red for Prosperity: Red, the quintessential Chinese lucky colour, is a must-have in your New Year wardrobe. It is believed to bring strength and prosperity, particularly for those born in the year of the current Chinese zodiac. As the New Year dawns, people often wear red from head to toe — including red underwear, thought to bring additional luck in games and mahjong.
• Gold for Opulence: If red feels too bold, gold is an excellent alternative. Symbolising wealth, prosperity, and fortune, gold reflects the royalty and supremacy of emperors throughout Chinese history. It’s believed that yellow and gold also represent the spiritual realm. Whether it’s white gold, rose gold or yellow gold, gold-coloured attire or gold-tone accessories can add a touch of sophistication to your New Year’s look.
• Yellow for Power: According to the Chinese Five Elements theory, red, yellow, and green are auspicious colours, with yellow representing the earth element. This prestigious colour, once dedicated exclusively to the emperor, symbolises prosperity, hope, royalty, and power. It was commonly found in the emperor’s attire and imperial places like The Forbidden City.

What to avoid wearing during Chinese New Year

In Chinese society, many believe it’s important to “get things right” on the first day of the new year, as it’s thought to set the tone for the year ahead. So, we share some long-standing taboos to help you strike the right note for the Year of the Dragon!

• Avoid all white or black: Wearing white or black during Lunar New Year can lead to disapproving looks from elders, and for good reason. In Chinese culture, wearing all-white (or all-black) is a symbol of loss and mourning, usually reserved for funerals. Wearing these two colours on CNY is deemed unlucky for the celebrations.
• New shoes: In Hong Kong, the Cantonese word for “shoes” (haai, 鞋) sounds like “sighing” (aai, 唉), leading to the belief that buying shoes brings bad luck, suggesting a rough, bumpy year ahead. This also applies to gifting shoes to others.
• No damaged clothes: As Chinese New Year is a significant festival in most Asian communities, wearing torn or damaged clothing is thought to attract bad luck for the rest of the year. To welcome good fortune and show respect at the start of the new year, ensure your outfit is in perfect condition.

Where to shop Qipao & Cheongsam in Hong Kong?

Looking to join the festivities with a new look? In Hong Kong, you can find traditional Chinese costumes at many places closer to the festival. Other than ordering from Taobao or visiting your favourite shopping mall, consider visiting night markets or street markets like Pottinger Street in Central, Ladies’ Market in Mong Kok, and Stanley Market in Stanley, or Chinese department stores such as Yue Hwa in Jordan. Moreover, it’s impressive to see many local fashion brands modernising Chinese qipao and cheongsam, making them more accessible not only for Lunar New Year but also for daily wear.

Qipology, a modern Oriental fashion brand based in Hong Kong, rejuvenates the traditional cheongsam with a contemporary twist while maintaining exquisite craftsmanship. For the Lunar New Year, their CNY knitwear collection features stylish color-block knit Tang jackets in 100% merino wool, available in adult and kids’ sizes. Besides casual styles, they also offer modern qipaos for special occasions.  Visit Qipology’s Central shop and online store to find out more!

Shop: H314, Block B, PMQ, 35 Aberdeen Street, Central
Contact: Website | Instagram | Facebook | +852 6061 4074

Header image credit: Qipology

The store is spread across three zones: the main space, the indoor area, and a terrace café that has food and beverages created in collaboration with Michelin-starred restaurant Belon. The aesthetic of the pop-up is inspired by the theme ‘The Sun’, and features immersive installations reminiscent of Pharrell’s debut runway last year in Paris on the Pont-Neuf.

Last year, Louis Vuitton staged its first runway show in Hong Kong when the luxury brand unveiled its Men’s Pre-Fall 2024 Collection on the Avenue of Stars. The event was a star-studded affair, with high-profile celebrities and A-listers from Hong Kong and Asia — such as film star Chow Yun-fat, members of the Cantopop boy band MIRROR, and Korean actor Song Joong-ki — in attendance.

Image credits: Louis Vuitton

The event promises to be a star-studded affair, with high-profile celebrities and A-listers from the fashion world in attendance. The backdrop of one of the world’s most stunning harbour views at the Avenue of Stars will provide a breathtaking setting for this historic fashion show.

For those unable to attend in person, the event will be live-streamed on the outdoor screen of K11 MUSEA, allowing the public to experience the fashion extravaganza in real-time.

Adrian Cheng, Founder of K11 Group, expressed his honor at K11 Victoria Dockside being chosen as the stage for Louis Vuitton’s inaugural fashion show in Hong Kong. He sees it as a significant milestone in Hong Kong’s journey to becoming an international arts and cultural metropolis.

Louis Vuitton’s menswear creative director, Pharrell Williams, is set to infuse the Pre-Fall 2024 collection with his creative vision and signature style, building on the success of his previous collection.

This event further solidifies K11 MUSEA’s reputation as a hub for fashion, digital and modern art, collectibles, pop culture, and more. It follows a series of cultural highlights, including exhibitions curated by Carine Roitfeld and collaborations with the V&A Museum and renowned Hong Kong Production Designer Cheung Suk-ping.

Looking ahead, K11 MUSEA will host the immersive video installation “Painting with history in a room filled with people with funny names 3” by Thai artist Korakrit Arunanondcha from December 2023 to January 2024. Additionally, K11 MUSEA and YouTube will co-create the world’s first YouTube pop-up café, ‘Rhythm & Brews,’ this Christmas season, further diversifying K11 Group’s cultural offerings.

Header Image Credit: Africa images & Ruderfinn

The line will be designed by Pharrell Williams, the brand’s newly appointed men’s creative director, and will be the first time that the pre-collection will be revealed on a physical runway. The venue for the show has not yet been announced.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Louis Vuitton (@louisvuitton)

Williams debuted his first collection for Louis Vuitton during the Men’s Fashion Week in Paris in June this year on the Pont-Neuf bridge. The star-studded guest list for the unveiling of the Williams’s spring/summer 2024 menswear collection included actress Zendaya, Formula One racing driver Lewis Hamilton, reality star and beauty mogul Kim Kardashian, and Oscar winner Jared Leto.

While Louis Vuitton has a long history in Hong Kong — having opened its first store at the territory’s Peninsula Hotel in 1979 — it has not held any shows in the SAR. However, the fashion house has hosted major exhibitions in the city, including ‘Louis Vuitton: A Passion for Creation’ in 2009, as well as the ‘Time Capsule’ exhibit in 2017.

Header image credits: Louis Vuitton

#1. Can you tell us a bit about yourself and your background?

I’m a fashion designer, personal shopper, and stylist. I’m from Venezuela with parents who both work with handcraftsmanship. I’ve been in this creative world since I was little, playing with painting and doing things with my hands. I came from New York, Miami, Rio de Janeiro, seeing all the fashion around the world and I’m here now in Hong Kong.

#2. Can you introduce Vipop to people who don’t know the brand?

Vipop brings together a community of international designers making hot bags, jewelry, and clothing in unique designs like the ones I’m wearing. At the same time, designers take care of the ethical or eco-friendly values behind the pieces and we also take care of the value of each piece. So it’s this community we’re building in the new fashion industry. We’re offering new ways to be sustainable. It’s not just “sustainable”, it can be very fun too.

#3. How would you define sustainable fashion and why did you choose this focus for Vipop?

I feel it’s very important to put attention to how the pieces we buy are actually made, who is making them and how it affects our environment, the community around us, and the planet. This subject is very important today because we can see so much damage in the world from the fashion industry. This is something very special for me and all the team, and this is why we selected this subject to build a fashion brand and e-commerce platform.

#4. What are the strengths of having an all-female team?

I love it because women feel everything. We’re very creative and detailed. You can notice when you enter our shop, you can see all the details, colours, pieces made by hand in our collection. This is something amazing about females.

#5. How do you see the sustainable fashion market in Asia?

I think it’s something more and more people are feeling interested in building. In the last two years, it’s grown faster than before. The new generation is very interested in ethical and environmentally-conscious fashion, and I think it’s obvious why. I’m excited to see it continue to grow in the Asian market.

#6. What makes Latin American fashion a good medium for conscious fashion?

Latin America has many small communities with artisans and indigenous people, and we’re still very close to this culture. We put the Latin American culture into the designs because we don’t want to let it go away. This culture has been around for many, many years and now we are bringing it to 2022. Latin American designers bring all these [eco-friendly] techniques to this generation, which we balance with sustainability by helping these small communities while incorporating the culture and learning what our people used to do in the past.

I get the sense that these Latin American brands are not always trying to be sustainable necessarily, that they naturally do it because they’re learning from their ancestors.

Exactly, yes. Our ancestors already worked in sustainable ways. Some of the brands we work with help small communities of women that don’t have jobs and are too old to study. It’s difficult – it’s a circle. The designers help these people to continue using sustainable artisanal techniques that are rarely being used now.

Another aspect of ancestral methods is the materials. For example, some designers use palm tree [for packaging], we don’t use plastic, and so on. These techniques are naturally sustainable. [With us as a brand,] the important thing is to be conscious about how you make yourself proud of what you are doing. There are many aspects around ethical fashion.

#7. Can you tell us about the sourcing process? How do you make sure the designers you work with are sustainable?

We visit popular fashion expos in Latin America, Colombia, Brazil, Ecuador, Venezuela, and Miami. When we see designers we love, we start to check materials they use, who they work with, the process. Then, sometimes we visit them to learn how they work. But of course, we had a period in Hong Kong that we couldn’t travel so the designers sent videos to prove [their sustainability process]. But we already know the signs of when something affects the environment or not. For example, which kind of materials are good to use.

We try to look for the fashion brands that are the best for the environment, but each designer does their best in the way they can. Some waste water, but they work with recycled materials. They try to find another way to improve their production. For example, we have one swimwear brand that paints everything by hand and recycle all the water, which is amazing. Others use materials that cannot be recycled, so they make art from all the leftover fabric.  

We have one designer that only employs single moms in their factory. So maybe some brands cannot change many things in the materials they use, but they try to help minority communities.

Another [eco fashion brand] makes bags from pineapple and cactus leather, and also does anti-animal cruelty campaigns. Each brand we collaborate with is different and while it’s difficult to be 100% sustainable, they try to have a balance. There are some things we have to accept, but then we do other things to help. This is the point.

#8. How do you help the designers have that sustainability balance in their process?

We work with designers to understand what [environmental or human rights aspect] they want to contribute to. Some have a connection with helping vulnerable women, some to clean beaches. How we help them is we give them marketing information so they don’t waste [time and materials] to make clothes that people don’t like, which creates more waste like fast fashion. Of course, we give some tips about environmental initiatives in Hong Kong, but they select the way they want to help because it’s very personal to each designer.

#9. Can you tell us about VIPOP’s concept store, ARTEZANO?

We want people to sit down in the café and slowly learn more about sustainable fashion. We try to make the whole experience with clothing, jewelry, and food from small farmers [Editor’s note: Half of ARTEZANO is Nominal, a Middle Eastern gourmet grocery]. From the moment you pause to eat something, you can also see the apparel.

We’re bringing this to Hong Kong to understand, through the food we eat and the money we spend: What is going on around us? What is this new life that is more conscious?

Sustainability doesn’t have to mean boring or bad style – we can dress great, but with more attention. What we say is, “Sustainable is the new black”. We want people to sit down here, enjoy, and feel all this to see if they want to be a part of the ‘new black’ movement.

You’re creating a space for people to sit down and talk about sustainability in general, not just in terms of clothing.

Maybe you don’t buy anything, but you have a nice coffee and learn a little bit about our slow fashion designers’ work. We want to provide this information so that Hong Kong people can see the value of the things they spend money on, whether it’s fashion or food. We [have the potential] to affect the environment or animals just by buying something, so it’s nice when we can be a little bit conscious.

Find Vipop online or in-person at ARTEZANO, 52-54 Graham Street, Soho, Hong Kong (+852 3489 2770).

Lenia Pérez is the Founder and Director of Hong Kong-based sustainable fashion boutique Vipop. She and Co-Founder Fabiana Gonzalez started the brand in 2018, which works with international artisans especially in South and Central America creating ethical clothing. The daughter of two artisans who instilled a love for craftsmanship and design in her, Lenia is the designer of her namesake fashion label, Lenia.

Disclaimer: This interview has been edited and condensed for readability.

Header image credits: Vipop

Showcasing international and #madeinhongkong designers

The show will present 8 showstopping designers from Hong Kong and across the world. Chosen for their innovation, opulence and commitment to sustainability, some of these brands will have their own boutique to share their work. Attendees will have the opportunity to get up close and personal with the clothes and interact with the designers.

At this moment, the brands confirmed are:

• Sparkle Collection – A Hong Kong based cultural and artistic fashion brand of exclusive East- meets-West designer items that exemplifies an understated luxurious and fashionable lifestyle.
• KRSV – Russian born, Hong Kong based Anastasia Krasavtseva creates timeless tailor made pieces using discarded natural fibres such as silk
• VIPOP – A Hong Kong based fashion brand dedicated to shining a light on sustainable handcrafted works sourced from Latin America and beyond.
• Beautifully Diverse – This Australian brand prides itself on showcasing diversity and culture through its fashion while still having sustainability at its core.
• 3 Points (Los Angeles) –3points from the African and French roots was founded in 2016 to bring an essence of empowerment and confidence to the women. These pieces are strictly unique and custom design to perfectly embrace the forms of your body.
• Caftan House – An Australian based brand, it specialises in authentic yet innovative Moroccan caftans.
• Frances RTW – Producing locally in Indonesia, the brand is known for original and versatile clothing that can be ‘Your Mondays to Sundays Outfit’.

Not just a runway

Lumiere Runway aims to not only showcase up and coming brand from Hong Kong and internationally, it also donates 20% of ticketing proceeds to a charity, specifically Make-A-Wish Hong Kong for the November 26^th event. General Admission ticket pricing begins at US$40, and VIP tickets are for US$150 and US$250.

For overseas attendees Meler Productions has partnered with local hotels and airlines to provide three night accommodation (Friday, November 25th to Monday, October 28th,2022) and flight tickets for US$1750 (plus tax).

For more information, you can visit www.lumiererunway.com or email info@lumiererunway.com.

Win one of four VIP passes

We’ve partnered up with Lumiere Runway to give away four VIP passes, which include:

• Access to runway show
• Red carpet
• Open bar
• Second row seat
• Premium cuisine
• Access to vendors
• After-party

Follow the steps on Instagram to enter:

Image credits: Meler Productions

As Fabiana González, co-founder and procurement expert at sustainable fashion designer curator Vipop, puts it: “Everyone is greenwashing now because it’s a trend. That adds value to the pricepoint, like if it’s expensive, of course, it’s because it’s sustainable.”

What are the environmental impacts of the fashion industry?

Fast fashion has contributed to this: a 2022 report states that clothing utilization (that is, the number of times a garment is worn before being discarded) has fallen by 40% in the past 15 years. The fashion industry also:

• Creates landfill waste. 85% of textiles end up in the landfill
• Causes microplastic leeching from the washing of certain fabric types
• Uses a lot of water and releases toxins into the environment from factories

Unfortunately, profit will always be king. It costs more to produce eco-friendly apparel for a number of reasons: higher quality, rarer fabrics; proper worker compensation; more time spent on clothing construction; fewer garments get sold because of the emphasis on wearing the same clothes more often; the cost of getting eco-related certifications. Brands simply have too little incentive to commit to earth-friendly production when greenwashing sells well. It’s up to shoppers to keep brands accountable for their claims – and this starts with knowing how to identify truly ethical fashion.

The signs of greenwashing

Greenwashing most often looks like visually pleasing, eco-friendly-looking packaging (nature imagery, symbols that look like official certifications, paper packaging), ambiguous green-speak like “organic” and “recycled”, and nice-sounding, unfounded claims like “now made with 50% more sustainable fabrics” without more figures to back them up.

From Vipop’s boutique in Hong Kong’s Central district, Fabiana sees how shops claiming to sell ethical clothing source from non-ethical places, cut off the original tags, and place ‘conscious’ virtue-signaling labels on their products.   Other ways that clothing brands greenwash is the ‘Lesser of Two Evils’ fallacy such as H&M’s in-store garment recycling bins (which in some people’s opinions just encourage more guilt-free purchasing), hidden trade-offs such as a label touting “Made from recycled fabrics” without stating how much of the garment is actually made from rescued materials, and selective disclosure where brands push an eco-conscious claim without disclosing that the rest of their garment-making process is still environmentally damaging.

In May 2022, Bonaqua launched a ‘label-less plastic water bottle’ campaign. The bottles were marketed as supposedly more eco-friendly because they no longer had the plastic film label and were made from recycled rPET. But they were single-use plastic bottles nonetheless.

Tips for finding genuine sustainable clothing brands

“It would be a lie if any company says they are 100% eco-friendly,” Fabiana says. From fabric and trim sourcing, pattern making to cutting, manufacturing, and shipping garments, it’s difficult to have a completely eco-friendly process. Instead, Fabiana emphasizes that the important thing is regularly re-evaluating and striving to be incrementally more sustainable in these aspects over time: “Eco-friendly is wider, bigger. We are moving towards that, [for example] shipping with companies that use vegetable fuels in the future.”

For Venezuelan natives Fabiana and co-founder Lenia Perez (who’s also a fashion designer), it was a natural step from their upbringing in the South American country towards eco-friendly clothing because of the inherently slow nature of artisanship in the culture: “In South America, the old techniques itself have this water-saving, low waste quality because there are no factories involved. They take colours from plants to dye garments. [Latin American fashion designers] are very sustainability-driven, and they simply do it out of being conscious.”  

1. Specific sustainability initiatives

One way to identify clothing brands that are really walking the eco-friendly talk is to look out for the fashion designers that are innovating (like Vipop brand Baobab, which makes their resortwear from infinitely reusable nylon fabric called ECONYL derived from recycled fishing nets), re-evaluating to improve their carbon footprint, and even offsetting impacts on the environment in other ways, whether that be environmental initiatives or relatively more eco-friendly practices in other parts of the manufacturing process.

2. Transparency

Keep an eye out for clear and detailed claims, i.e. transparency about how the apparel is made. “Just stepping into a shop, you would never know the difference. Especially if it’s a multi-brand store.” (Which VIpop’s concept store, Artezano, is.) Beyond looking at apparel labels, Fabiana suggests digging into the specific brand’s website for traceability information, sometimes called the “chain of custody”. This can highlight how workers are treated, the sources of fabrics and designs, and more and provide hints about the sustainability profile. Vague claims and lack of transparency i.e. missing details, are no-nos.

3. Labels with sustainability info

The best way to identify a fashion brand that’s committed to sustainability behind closed doors? “If a brand claims to be sustainable, but there’s no more information on the label or website, that’s a red flag. That’s the number one sign of greenwashing.”

Taking steps towards 100% circular fashion

It’ll take discerning customers who aren’t willing to sacrifice safe working conditions and environmental degradation for more brands to start prioritizing environmentally-conscious practices, because that’s the only way brands will start seeing lower profits. There are at least two parts in this process: knowing how to identify deceptive ‘conscious fashion’ marketing and deciding that it’s important to buy from brands that are actively working towards being ‘more sustainable’, whether that’s shipping with a company that flies with vegetable fuels or sourcing products from designers that make their own fabrics. “There are people doing [sustainable clothing] out of passion and people doing it because it’s a trend. But it doesn’t matter where the motivation comes from, as long as they do it well.”

Meet Vipop

• Website: www.vipop.com
• Email: info@vipop.com
• Address: G/F, 52-54 Graham St, SoHo, Hong Kong  

Image credits: Joan Wong via The HK HUB

Sau Lee

Founded by cross-cultural kid Cheryl Leung, who has spent her life in equal parts New York, Hong Kong, and LA, Sau Lee aims to be a marriage of Eastern and Western fashion. They make modern cheongsams with innovative details like subtle puff shoulders and trendy Florentine necklines (the faux leather mini dress is serving Matrix’s Trinity), cocktail dresses, and gowns made for strutting into any room with completely justified confidence.

Where : Sau Lee, Shop H314, Block B, PMQ, 35 Aberdeen St, Central | info@sauclothing.com

Beam Bold

The philosophy behind Beam Bold is that you’re not meant to blend into a crowd. They make lightweight maxi skirts, dresses, co-ords, in bright colours and patterns inspired by Caribbean culture for matching or colour-blocking. Also, they offer petite, short, regular, and tall lengths for all their products to reduce textile waste.

Where : Online store | connect@beambold.com

新裝如初 Classics Anew

This is an instance where the name tells you very obviously what the brand is about. Designer Janko Lam makes cheongsams, mandarin collar shirts, and jumpsuits for men, women, and kids with twists like asymmetrical silhouettes and hand-painted denim that make her pieces more than innovation, and into something new. This is directly stated luxury, and the pricepoints reflect that.

Where : Online store | contact@classicsanew.com  

Annibody

Annibody is an LA-founded brand based in Hong Kong that primarily creates bodysuits for every body type. They believe that you feel the most free when you feel comfortable and supported, and on top of their bodysuits, their earth tone dresses, tops, and matching sets made for building the foundation of your closet are made with that goal in mind.

Where : Online store | cs@annibody.com 

Fashion Corner Plus

Designer Makayla Ng makes trousers, dresses, skirts, coats – all geared towards filling the vacuum of plus-size fashion brands in Hong Kong. Plus-sized since she was young, she realized it could be alienating trying to find comfortable clothes that make you look great as a bigger woman. Their clothes also come at a very accessible pricepoint, which we appreciate.

Where : Fashion Corner Plus, ​​Room 216, 2/F,, 650-652 Castle Peak Rd, Lai Chi Kok | +852 9017 0309

Harrison Wong

Harrison Wong is a local brand that got its start in creating high fashion menswear with an element of surprise. Wong has a background as design director for multiple Asian fashion houses, with a decade of experience designing womenswear, before deciding to dive deep into menswear. Find his sleek, futuristic shoes, bags, and ready-to-wear in five stores in locations synonymous with luxury retail including Paterson Street Fashion Walk and The Mills.

Where : Multiple locations including Harbour City and K11 Art Mall

Róu So

Róu stands for 柔, which means “soft” in Chinese and signifies this small fashion label’s attitude towards creating sustainable fashion that is gentle on the Earth. Their pieces centre around a collection of cuts (Louise Pants, Florence Smocked Top, Bianca Dress, etc.) that are fashioned out of salvaged fabrics and other materials recycled from factories’ and fabric mills’ overproduction. Everything is made to order to ensure minimal waste.

Where : Online store | info@rousoshop.com 

Parallel 51

Parallel 51 creates versatile pieces for actually building your capsule wardrobe (let’s be honest, we’ve all tried and failed). Skirts, blazers, bodysuits, trousers, and dresses that are meant to make you look your most elevated self in formal and informal settings. They have awesome capsule packages that come with three to five wardrobe essentials. Or, to take the pressure off of getting something that you won’t end up liking, they have a Try Before You Buy option that lets you try out up to eight pieces for 10 days before deciding if you want to keep it.

Where : Online store

Tove & Libra

Tove & Libra was founded by Christine and Ivan, whose partnership goes back generations; their grandfathers worked together as clothing manufacturers. They’ve built on this heritage of fashion knowledge while making the process more earth-friendly, using sustainably produced or salvaged materials to make jumpsuits, trousers, tops, and more that are the definition of long-lasting closet basics.

Where : Stores in PMQ, Taikoo, and Tsim Sha Tsui | +852 9662 9923

Good Days

Founded in 2020, Good Days revolves around creating long-lasting activewear for bodies of all sizes, at a friendly pricepoint, that is also making an impact on the plastic waste crisis. Their leggings and bra tops are made from recycled polyester and their vest tops are made from a recycled polyester-cotton blend, with prices starting at HK$300.

Where : Online store | hello@gooddaysactivewear.com

WEAT

This Hong Kong company makes statement mini purses that embody the playfulness of their name, an acronym standing for “We eat avocado toast.” Their signature toast bags come in a variety of bold colours and feature a thick buckle strap connected to the purse with a triangle fixture – something that screams like it belongs on an IG baddie’s shoulder. They also aim to be sustainable, using upcycled leather and most recently, vegan leather.

Where : Online store | info@weeatavocadotoast.com

Femance

Femance is a dream purse company for playful, geometric, wearable bags in a variety of colours. Made in supple calf leather with hand-painted white edges, their signature Calla bag looks like a wonky puzzle piece but is surprisingly versatile. That just may be because its organic wave is inspired by the Calla lily.

Where : Online store | info@femance-official.com

ESEMBLĒ

ESEMBLĒ calls itself a modern handbag brand that takes inspiration from vintage purses you might find in a New York flea market. Their signature Bell Shoulder Bag, a bucket bag that seems to melt slightly like butter at the bottom and comes with an oyster-shaped charm to remind you that “the world is your oyster,” is a versatile daily carryall.

Where : ESEMBLĒ, Unit 302, 3/F, Hing Yip Commercial Center, 272 Des Voeux Road, Central | +852 2543 4991

Frequent Flyer

Frequent Flyer’s travel bags and accessories maximize storage potential and intuitive use. With clean, timeless looks, their signature ‘zip around’ design allows most of their bags to open fully flat, so that no space is wasted. The Hong Kong-born brand is also branching out into apparel, with some basic tees and classic boat shoes.

Where : Find them at multiple locations including LCX and HKTDC Design Gallery | info@frequentflyer.com.hk

Broken Fingers

Named for the labour of love (and actual injuries obtained by the two craftswomen founders) that goes into their leather goods, Broken Fingers makes completely handcrafted bags, wallets, and other accessories from French and Italian leather. The clean, almost architectural shapes of their pieces in a muted autumn palette are made to be solid daily essentials.

Where : Broken Fingers, 1/F, 23 Lan Fong Road, Causeway Bay | +852 6085 6531

Niin

The ethos of niin is to create daily jewellery and clutches that use the earth’s materials responsibly, with a process that leaves a minimal environmental footprint. Core collections are created around key stones and materials, like the Ikigai collection which primarily features blue hawks eye and white jade accentuated with salvaged oyster shells and wood. Crafted in collaboration with small businesses in Southeast Asia, the pieces have a wild quality that makes them look as if they’ve been pulled out of the earth or ocean.

Where : Online store or 10/F, Cheung Hing Industrial Building, 12P Smithfield, Kennedy Town | info@niinstyle.com

Hucker

If you’re into hiking, climbing, water and board sports (or even just cool clothes), this is the brand for you. Founded by two friends in 2018, Hucker has taken on a new chapter in Asia. You can follow the journey and travel through their designs, as this outdoor clothing brand gets inspiration from all the places it visits. Currently based in Hong Kong, you can find many local and familiar places in their products & now the borders have opened up, Hucker has taken the chance to get more creative and expand the story across other parts of Asia.

Where : Online

Header image credits: Róu So

Rock Atoll is all about how you feel. You know the feeling when you unexpectedly smile at a complete stranger, and it makes their day? Rock Atoll clothing creates the same effect. It makes you and others happy. The comprehensive range of men’s and women’s clothing injects fun and zany into everyday life. You’ll see racks and racks of beige shorts and other apparel lining the racks of clothing stores. But where is the fun in that?

(In)discreet shorts, loungewear and tees

Rock Atoll provides slightly wacky special edition collections of comfy clothing for men with colourful tops, shorts, boxers and pyjamas and women with tops, bottoms, pyjamas, dresses and bags.

Pack your wardrobe with divinely named apparel and shine in the crowd by wearing a council of cats, flamingoes, sharkpedoes or more fruity attires for a vibrant day out in the fantastic nature that Hong Kong offers.

Whether you enjoy the sedate beach life or want to look great whilst wakeboarding, hiking or kayaking, the limited edition collections of fun Rock Atoll outdoor clothing are the answer. Indeed, something unique about Rock Atoll is that there will never be more than 50 pairs of shorts, pyjamas or tees available due to the short supply of each fabric design. So in a city of over seven and a half million, you’re guaranteed to stand out.

And as summer is coming, if you’re looking for colourful tote bags or dresses, here again, they have something for your evenings with friends, your escapes in fancy bars,  or simply for your next junk party.

Sustainably cool togs

The Rock Atoll team wanted to ensure that they didn’t add to the ever-growing environmental footprint in Asia, and the brand is proud to embrace a sustainable manufacturing process.

We know that producing cotton puts an enormous strain on the Earth’s natural resources, animals, and people. We use low-waste cutting techniques that minimise textile waste. Our products are carefully made from deadstock fabrics which means we repurpose fabrics that would otherwise end up in a landfill site. The available fabric is often only available in small batches.

Cindy Chan, founder of Rock Atoll

Terrifyingly, millions of tonnes of unused fabric is disposed of in landfill every year. Not only can it take over 200 years to decompose, but the textiles generate greenhouse methane gas and leach toxic chemicals into our soil.

Although Rock Atoll appears to be nothing but fun on the outside, they have strong, intentional messaging on the inside. The company is dedicated to ensuring that its brand does not contribute to the overall fashion industry waste problem.

Rock Atoll has an easy-order online system, delivery is free in Hong Kong, and you can easily find a unique top for HK$100 or a cool dress for less than HK$400.

Are you trendsetting enough to wear a toucan, dragon, shark, or pineapple to your next weekend gathering or simply to gift a loved one?

If the answer is yes, then head over to https://www.rockatoll.com/.