As Asia’s shopping mecca, Hong Kong offers virtually every international luxury brand you could think of — making it easy to forget that our fashionable city actually boasts some formidable local talent. Although you might be familiar with some staples on the local designer scene, we’ve uncovered a few up-and-coming homegrown lines, from accessories to menswear labels, that will soon be gaining their own cult followings.
PI’A
A contemporary womenswear line by Asia’s Next Top Model stylist Priscilla I’Anson, PI’A is all about modern classics. I’Anson’s line aims to empower women through versatile, timeless pieces that you can bring out of your closet every season — like a bold blouse with a cut-out, a tuxedo jacket in a sexy silhouette or, their most popular piece, a button-up shirt worn off the shoulder. Don any of her pieces and you’ll be ready to command a conference room or dinner party.
Marco M Chan
Marco M Chan’s haute couture gowns are the stuff fairytales are made of. Started in 2013, this ex-celebrity stylist’s eponymous label includes breathtaking blush silk dresses with lace overlays and dreamy draped jumpsuits that are sure to make you the belle of the ball. Don’t have an event to go to? His ready-to-wear pieces are a winning blend of edgy and elegant (take his silver track pants and metallic cropped tops, for example), perfect for the cool girl who wants a touch of glam.
Raven + Rose
The Agent Provacateur of Hong Kong, stylist and fashion blogger Jasmine Smith’s brand serves up edgy, sexy lingerie in the form of stark geometric cutting and sheer paneling. On her site you’ll find minimalist, triangle satin bras with strategically placed straps that criss-cross the body — a stylish wink to bondage. Her debut collection “Hoyden’s Choice” was inspired by 80s pole dancers and is mixed with androgynous undertones, making the line ideal for women who appreciate a daring yet feminine aesthetic.
Shannam
An incredible artistic project by ex ad-man Riyo Chan, Shannam (a Romanization of Chan’s Chinese name, which literally means “mists in the mountains”) experiments with materials such as plastic, metal and miniature figures to craft quirky, handmade accessories. A dainty gold watch trapped in a clear bangle is just one of its many innovative yet wearable pieces, but its true stand-out accessories are bangles and necklaces shaped like splashes of water and suspended in gold or silver — a testament to the brand’s chic, avant-garde approach to fashion.
Bertrand Mak
In a shopping culture inundated with outlandish outfits and loud styles, this leather goods brand from former Christie’s watch specialist Bertrand Mak is a breath of fresh air, bringing back classic charm with a modern touch. Known for their use of soft calf and kid leather and 24-carat gold leaf, every BM accessory — from loafers to wine carriers — epitomizes understated luxury grounded in English dapper-dom. Mak also represents renowned British shoe brand Rupert Sanderson in Asia.
XPX by PUNKHIPPIE
On the opposite end of the menswear scale is XPX by PUNKHIPPIE. Founded by local celebrity Pak Ho Chau, this hip-hop-inspired brand is what all the cool kids are wearing. If you’ve seen a lot of the in-crowd sporting caps and tees with XPXVIII printed on a black tee or marble-patterned bag, this is where it’s from. Wearing one of Chau’s gold-embossed or graffiti tees immediately gives you street cred on the local fashion scene.
