If you’re tired of shopping for the same old boring stuff from Hong Kong’s identikit stores, why not go for something handmade instead? Crafting is becoming an increasingly popular pastime, with many people finding themselves able to earn a buck or two from their hobby. Here are just a few of our favorite DIY-ers.
Dirty Paper
For Yau Kwok-keung (above left) and Hong Kong Design Institute classmate Chan Wai-lat (right), going into the field of product design was an obvious choice. “Other career choices didn’t provide us with the same satisfaction as seeing our own designs on bags, notebooks and other products,” says Yau. Hence, in 2011, they founded Dirty Paper. In what they call a “creative illustration group,” the duo draws multiple characters and comes up with elaborate storylines that then are printed on stationery supplies, totes and other accessories. They draw their inspiration from everyday Hongkongers. “We based our first line of characters on high school students helping people reminisce about the past,” says Yau, who describes their creations as “ugly but cute.” It’s an apt assessment, and their distinctive style sets them apart from other handmade crafts in the city. Take, for example, their new egghead necklaces currently on sale. Dirty Paper’s products have appeared at the Jockey Club Creative Arts Centre in Shek Kip Mei as well as other design marts. Available at Palace Cafe Shop, IFC Palace, Shop 1058-1059, 1/F, IFC Mall, 8 Finance St., Central, 2167-7321, www.dirtypaper.hk.
Want to find more awesome crafters? Read: Handmade Hongkongers
Littleclouds
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Handcrafted goods brand Littleclouds began selling its products in London’s markets and boutiques back in 2008. At first, designing and creating her own accessories was just a fun project for founder Alison Tang (pictured above), and
something that she could do while she was at university. But as interest in her wares grew, she began to expand her business. In 2009, the budding designer made the bold decision to move to Hong Kong and sell her products here. Expect fun and quirky items, from homewares and sewn goods like cushions to printed jewelry. Some of the pieces are bold and bound to make you stand out in a crowd; her fun fabric coverings for the home, in particular, are really out of the box. Even though Littleclouds retains a hint of the British influence of its origin, it’s now 100 percent made in Hong Kong. Order online at www.littleclouds.com.
Momantai
Launched fairly recently in April of this year, Momantai is a T-shirt brand that—as its name suggests—touts designs that are very uniquely Hong Kong, from the simple 852 and bauhinia, to cartoon-style designs of wet market lamps and fish. French founder and designer Elody Vincent was inspired by scenes of regular Hong Kong life and decided to depict them in her products, while adding a humorous twist. Vincent first became interested in Chinese culture at university, where she studied Chinese, and visited Hong Kong during a stint living in Beijing in 2000. She loved it so much that she decided to move herself and her family here in 2008. “Hong Kong is a vibrant city with a strong energy and culture,” she says. “We decided to create a T-shirt label that Hongkongers can proudly wear and in which they recognize themselves.” Behind the bright colors and fun, Momantai also endeavors to spread messages about certain local social issues, as with its anti-shark fin soup design (see left). Momantai’s T-shirts are printed on 100 percent cotton material, and are designed and silk-screened right here in Hong Kong. T-shirts for both kids ($190) and adults ($250) are available in various sizes. Available online at www.momantai.com.hk, or from various locations including Emmanuel F., Shop 211-213, L2, Nexxus Building, 41 Connaught Rd. Central, 2167-8280.
