FASHION IS ON the way to becoming a modern art medium, based on the buzz created by exalted works coming out of the style hubs of Paris, Milan, New York and London. But Hong Kong, while putting its best foot forward in an effort to embrace the avant-garde spirit of modern high fashion, showed that the overriding theme was pragmatism on the runways at its biannual fashion week.
The spring/summer 2005 collections reminded the industry that, despite being Asia's epicentre of luxury and glamour, Hong Kong's fashion industry is driven as much by commercial realities as by creativity.
The event that finished yesterday at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre included a predictable mix of trade booths, runway shows and industry seminars which drew a record 720 exhibitors from the mainland, Taiwan, India, South Korea, Indonesia and Vietnam. With a rise in the number of participants compared with last year's 510 exhibitors for the spring/summer showing, it does appear that Hong Kong's fashion scene is on the way to retrieving some of its lost lustre.
The marriage between commercial viability and originality is always a difficult one, and the four-day showcase illustrated once again that the strength of the Hong Kong fashion industry will continue to lie in its manufacturing prowess and market sensibility more than its design ability.
First in line for the event was a collective brand show by labels amanda darling, Kalizz and Lafei-Nier, featuring a thirst-quenching variety of beach-friendly resort wear. Commercial viability remains a paramount concern for the designers and the parade consisted of a variety of whisper-light chiffon tunics, candy striped knitwear as well as 1970s-inspired sarongs in hues of saffron and starburst yellows.
Designer Amanda Loke, for amanda darling, featured her runway collection in Hong Kong for the first time. The year-old name brand, unveiled in London last year, comprised relaxed, beach-friendly crocheted pieces and flimsy kaftans that evoked the hippy spirit of 1970s fashion icon Talitha Getty.