Hong Kong designer Kathy Lam wows with elegant debut collection

Who started it? Kathy Lam was raised in Hong Kong and studied at the London College of Fashion. Her graduate collection in 2011 was nominated for several honours, including the Biddle Sawyer Silks Award, and caught the eye of fashion blogger Susie Bubble. Lam launched her eponymous label in 2014 and made her runway debut at Tokyo Fashion Week for spring/summer 2016. Already her clothes have been spotted on Japanese celebrity Rena Matsui and local artist Ava Yu Kiu, and in Women’s Wear Daily.

Why we love it: Lam is part of a new generation of Hong Kong designers creating contemporary collections with a feminine spin. Her designs are elegant and airy, with unusual twists such as sheer fabrics and screen-prints on silk separates and dresses. At first glance, her spring/summer 2016 collection seems classically feminine, but closer inspection reveals unusual details such as see-through collars and criss-cross necklines. Blurry, distorted floral prints appear on halter dresses and separates and the entire collection comes in her signature summery shades of blue and white.

What we’d pick: the chambray dress with a sheer and pleated panels (top right; HK$2,890) is fun yet feminine. Must-have separates include the Elizabeth wrap jacket (HK$2,590) and sheer striped trousers (HK$1,890; both top left). Or make a statement in the sheer maxi coat (HK$3,790) in silk organza and lined with an abstract lily print, worn with the silk-trim crop top (HK$990) and A-line skirt (HK$1,290; all right).

Where in Hong Kong can you get it? Lam’s collection is available at Walk On Water (K11 Art Mall, 18 Hanoi Road, Tsim Sha Tsui) and Amelie Street (Flat 1M, Po Ming Building, 2 Foo Ming Street, Causeway Bay).