Here, you will find homegrown designers, such as couturier Barney Cheng, who creates elaborate evenings gowns and cheongsams from his atelier in Central. Or Australians Craig Ellis and Erin Deering, who founded swimwear brand Triangl in Hong Kong in 2012. The pair credit their success with being close to manufacturers in China, and being based mid-way between the northern and southern hemispheres for ease of shipping.
Of course, no conversation about Hong Kong’s retail prowess would be complete without mention of Lane Crawford. Founded in 1850, the luxury retailer began life in a makeshift bamboo structure on the waterfront of what is now Des Voeux Road. Today, the company has nine points of sale with more than 585,000 square feet of total retail space, including three multi-brand department stores and two Lane Crawford Home stores in Hong Kong.
Another titan of the luxury retail market is Joyce, which earlier this year underwent an extensive renovation at its Central branch. Redesigned under the guidance of interior architect and designer Paola Navone, the store celebrated its reopening by presenting Hong Kong’s first immersive fashion exhibition: The Golden Needle. Masterminded by Joseph Bennett (of the Alexander McQueen: Savage Beauty exhibition) and Olivier Châtenet (style and historic consultant for Yves Saint Laurent), the show was brought to life with the expert theater direction of James Seager of Les Enfants Terribles. The three-day exhibition championed the designers and artisans who have been part of the retailer’s 46-year history.
Speaking of designers, the Pearl of the Orient is also home to some of the most exciting fashion influencers in Asia, from quirky stylists to visionary boutique owners. Altogether, Hong Kong’s homegrown talent forms a pack that’s perfectly placed to share their insights on style in the city. Read on for a beyond-the-guidebook look at this retail mecca.
