Hong Kong 30 Under 30 2015

Founder, RCANO fashion label

Rafael Raya Cano originally moved from his native Mexico to Hong Kong to learn Chinese, however he started working as a model and soon built up a network of designers, stylists and editors within the fashion industry.

In 2014, he launched menswear label RCANO with sister Tamara, following a stint at GQ in South Africa and a marketing role at restaurant group Maximal Concepts.

It’s more than just everyday shirts — RCANO boasts brightly colored, uniquely patterned offerings using a mix of fabrics.

Cano says the journey to build his own brand has been a challenge but he found some resources along the way, including Fashion Farm Foundation, which aims to help new designers get more exposure in Hong Kong.

His very first job? Cano got his start in the fashion world as a male model with Model Management Hong Kong.

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