Tokyo has always been one of Asia’s fashion hubs and the place to be for emerging designers. To pay tribute to Japan’s influence on sartorial style, Comme des Garcons founder Rei Kawakubo, the legendary Tokyo-born designer was the theme of this year’s Met Gala and the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s annual Costume Institute exhibition.
Last October, the Hong Kong Trade Development Council featured local designers in Fashion Hong Kong at Tokyo Fashion Week, which were warmly received from buyers in Japan. Following the event, buyers from Laforet Harajuku and Destination Tokyo invited four emerging Hong Kong fashion brands – LOOM LOOP, KENSON, Blind by JW and MASE – to a pop-up trade show from 8-18 May.
Laforet Harajuku selected LOOM LOOP, Kenson and Blind by JW to join the pop-up. Utilising Canton silk and eco-friendly materials, LOOM LOOP’s latest collection showcases a colourful application of various patterns. Menswear label Kenson is all about romanticism, as evidenced by its generous use of colours and innovative knitting techniques. Blind by JW, meanwhile, unites bright yellow, turquoise and lush floral prints onto various textures and fabrics to channel Sherlock Holmes for its latest collection.
Concept store Destination Tokyo, which buys avant-garde apparel and accessories from around the world, featured LOOM LOOP and handbag label MASE at its pop-up corner. MASE designs practical bags that embrace a colourful and artsy approach, a cool choice for confident urbanites who care about style.
Buyers from the two Japanese boutiques shared that they were very impressed by the creativity and energy shown by Hong Kong’s emerging designers. They are hoping to work with more designers from the city this coming October.
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