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THEi fashion design graduates tell stories through fashion

Want something interesting not found in a chain fashion store? Come to chi K11 art space at Tsim Sha Tsui where this year’s fashion graduates of the Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Fashion Design of the Technological and Higher Education Institute of Hong Kong (THEi), a member institution of the Vocational Training Council (VTC), present more than 60 of their unique designs that tell their stories through fashion to inspire people.

THEi graduate of the Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Fashion Design, Tommy WING Cheuk-yin, comes up with menswear Fall-Winter collection “The Impossible Love Trilogy”. Tommy accidentally watched a film made by award-winning French Canadian director Xavier DOLAN whose cinematography inspired his works. “Oftentimes people think fashion design is flamboyant and artistic,” Tommy said. “However, I learn from Dolan’s film that, without stunning special effects, a realistic and exquisite portrayal can thrill the audience all the same. His film shows me that a fashion designer can also breathe life into his works when he pours his heart into the details, making wearable fashion.”

“Fashion is for everyone. If a designer is able to tell stories through the details, people can understand the ideas behind the designs.” Tommy creates an overcoat with blue checks that goes with a pair of loose-fitting shorts and a drooping blue belt strap. Words “The Truth of love, is beyond reasons” are printed in white on the blue belt, making it the most distinct feature of the design. The prints are sharp and eye-catching, saying love out loud. Tommy makes an oversize coat with patchwork, citing local designer Kenax LEUNG as the major inspiration. “THEi arranged an internship for me to work at Kenax’s workshop last summer. In four-month time, I worked as an assistant and learnt how to run a fashion label as well. I learnt to apply the techniques of patchworks and prints, infusing youthfulness and vitality into designs.” Tommy spent one and a half year to design his collection - a testimony to the efforts of a fashion designer.

Another THEi graduate of the Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Fashion Design Enid CHAN Fung-ni creates androgynous Fall-Winter collection “What you see Just what you see”. She spent almost half a year to make the collection that tells the story of stereotype.

Enid’s collection is mainly about western attires with an androgynous and minimalist style. She uses flannel, satin and organza fabric. A contrasting palette of black flannel and nude colour satin is complemented with details like barcodes, label tags, and embroidery in a unique style. Enid wants to show the idea that one cannot judge a person by appearance, reflecting the negative impact of stigmatisation in society.

Enid uses contrasting colours, double pockets on the suit jacket, and the price tag in the middle to draw viewers’ attention to the contrast between the front and the back of the design.

“Through my works, I wish to show that time is needed to nurture understanding,” said Enid. “Many a time, misunderstanding arises because one is judging others by superficial impressions without seeking to go beyond appearance. Look with your heart and you will unearth the uniqueness in details.”

Enid said that it was indeed a huge challenge to put across the meaningful message through fashion. But teachers at THEi provided valuable input on guiding her dressmaking and creative techniques and she was able to carry off the task. She now truly understands that fashion is the storyboard of a designer and there is a unique story behind each and every work. She hopes her works can make people rethink about stigma.

The THEi Fashion Exhibition runs from 7 July to 6 August (12:00 noon to 10:00pm) at chi K11 art space of the shopping mall K11. A total of 65 chic designs by THEi graduates of the Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Fashion Design are showcased.