News

Mr Kay Kwok is among Asia’s Most Stylish

Asia’s Most Stylish 2024 is an exclusive list of best-dressed individuals selected by Tatler magazine to define fashion. Our always fashionable alumnus, Mr Kay Kwok (BA, 2009), has been listed on Asia’s Most Stylish along with 60 other very chic individuals from Hong Kong, Singapore, Malaysia, the Philippines, Taiwan and Thailand. They are the brightest fashionistas in the continent, and include celebrities, cultural icons, social media influencers and tastemakers. Prominent member of Hong Kong boy band Edan Lui and Thai pop star Pyra, also made the list. Kay’s journey from PolyU to the forefront of the fashion world is truly inspiring. His innovative approach and distinctive style have set new standards in the industry, making him a true fashion icon. Kay is the first Hong Kong designer to present at the London Men’s Fashion Week. His name was on everyone’s lips after Beyoncé wore one of his custom-made, 3D-printed pieces on her Renaissance World Tour in 2023. His avant-garde, futuristic designs have also caught the attention of global artistes like Icelandic singer Björk and mainland Chinese popstar Chris Lee. His unique vision has produced groundbreaking designs. Kay pushes the boundaries and redefines fashion. After finishing his Master’s degree at the London College of Fashion and interning at Alexander McQueen, Kay launched his eponymous label in 2013. In 2022, he rebranded his label as KWK by Kay Kwok, envisioning the future of fashion with a keen eye on digital possibilities. Kay told Tatler, “While technology for digital fashion still needs to mature, this is the direction we want to further explore. It’s where my aesthetics and DNA are at.” Video interview of Kay   

Dr Huang Tsai-chun wins Gold in French Fashion Awards

Congratulations to Dr Huang Tsai-chun, Assistant Professor, who has been honoured as Gold Winner in the Ready-to-Wear-Casual Wear category in the prestigious French Fashion Awards. Dr Huang's award-winning series, "Style in Motion", was inspired by the art of tai chi, and integrates its essence into the collection through four new events at the 2024 Paris Olympics: breakdancing, skateboarding, surfing, and climbing. Each sport, along with tai chi, is represented by the five Olympic ring colours, with black for tai chi, yellow for breakdancing, green for skateboarding blue for surfing, and red for climbing. The collection used 3D dynamic scanners to capture the tai chi movements, and then transformed them into geometric origami structures. This innovative approach combines Eastern garment patterns with Western cutting techniques, thus creating unique silhouettes that reflect the dynamics of each sport. Utilising digital knitting and traditional folding methods, the sportswear collection enhances athletic performance, and embodies the tai chi philosophy of yin-yang harmony. The collection beautifully fuses Eastern and Western elements, thus resonating with the rhythm of the body and soul, and enhancing the inner qi. The designs translate the kinetic energy of these sports into tangible forms, elevating the performance and capturing the essence of each vibrant sport.  

HKSAR Government and PolyU chart a new chapter of Chinese cultural fashion creativity: “China-chic” fashion designs to celebrate National Day

To celebrate the 75th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China, the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government and PolyU joined hands to start a new chapter in Chinese cultural and fashion creativity, showcasing the charm of Chinese culture and the unique grace of modern women to the world, and highlighting Hong Kong’s status as an “East-meets-West Centre for International Cultural Exchange”. SFT was honoured to be invited by the HKSAR Government to design a collection of “China-chic Fashion” for the Chief Executive’s wife, five female bureau secretaries and the director of the Chief Executive’s Office. The outfits were worn by them during their attendance at the National Day flag-raising ceremony and reception held by the HKSAR Government, as well as at other National Day celebratory activities. Led by Dr Dr Jin Lam, Associate Professor, the team spent three months designing seven distinctive “China-chic Fashion” for the Chief Executive’s wife, five female bureau secretaries and the director of the Chief Executive’s Office, based on their personal styles, preferences and work nature. The designs feature the use of Chinese knot buttons, Mandarin collars, side openings and exquisite jacquard fabrics. With modern tailoring and silhouettes, the fashion outfits showcase the unique charm of traditional Chinese culture and contemporary women. Dr Lam graduated with a bachelor’s degree from the Institute of Textiles and Clothing (former SFT) of PolyU in 2007 and her project has been recognised as a highly commended Research Project of the Year by the Times Higher Education Awards Asia 2024. PolyU’s Council Chairman Dr Lam Tai-fai said, “PolyU was invited by the HKSAR Government to design ‘China-chic Fashion’ for the Chief Executive’s wife and a group of senior female government officials in celebration of National Day. This invitation is a testament to their full trust and recognition of our work. With innovative thinking and sophisticated craftsmanship, our teachers and students from SFT have showcased the profound heritage of Chinese culture by perfectly incorporating traditional cultural elements into modern designs. PolyU will continue nurturing more talents to inject new vitality into the industry and drive innovative development in the fashion sector, manifesting Hong Kong as Asia’s premier fashion stage.” Dr Lam said that this cross-disciplinary creative collaboration will inspire the new generation of designers to embrace Chinese culture, and further promote the global influence of oriental aesthetics, cultivating a stronger sense of national esteem and patriotism.

Promotions and appointments

SFT is pleased to announce the promotions of the following academic staff members as Associate Professor with effective from 1 July 2024: Dr Fan Di Dr Chloe Ki Dr Jin Lam Dr Shou Dahua We are also pleased to welcome the following academic staff members who took up the full-time positions: Assistant Professor Dr Kuang Yunjuan Research Assistant Professor Dr Ding Yujuan Dr Lou Lun Dr Zhang Hanchao

UNIQLO and SFT release third-year results of survey on consumer perceptions of sustainable fashion in Hong Kong

Global Japanese apparel retailer UNIQLO and SFT have jointly conducted their third consecutive “Survey on Consumer Perceptions of Sustainable Fashion in Hong Kong”. This survey aims to explore consumers' views and opinions on sustainable fashion and enhance public awareness in these regions. Conducted in July 2024 through online questionnaires, the survey involved 1,409 Hong Kong consumers from various age groups and professions to assess their willingness and motivations regarding clothing recycling. The findings aim to encourage collaboration among the fashion industry and various stakeholders to promote sustainable consumption practices. Hong Kong Consumers Show a Good Understanding of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and holds a Positive Attitude Towards Waste Recycling The third-year results of the survey indicate a positive trend in consumer awareness of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in Hong Kong, reaching 70%, indicating a significant level of awareness for environmental issues in society. Additionally, survey results show that many consumers perceive the recycling process as simple (54%), find collection points convenient (45%), and consider the environment of collection points clean and orderly (44%), which lays a solid foundation for further promoting recycling activities. Over 40% of Consumers Keep Clothes for Less Than 3 Years, but Recycling Intentions Hinge on Community Support The survey also analyzed the shopping and disposal habits of Hong Kong consumers. Results indicate that 10% of consumers purchase over 21 pieces of clothing per year, and approximately 20% wear each piece of clothing less than 10 times on average, with over 40% keeping clothes for less than three years. The main reasons for clothing being idle or discarded include damage (26%), outdated styles (17%), quality below expectations (15%), size mismatch (14%), and inconvenience in the recycling process (10%). The most common methods of disposing of clothing are: Placing them in recycling bins (25%) Giving them to family or friends (20%) Upcycling for other uses (17%) Donating to charity organizations (14%), selling second-hand clothes (14%) Directly disposing of them as trash (10%) According to the Environmental Protection Department’s waste statistics for 2022[1], an average of 388 tons of textile waste were disposed of in landfills daily, with a recycling rate of only 11%. 90% of consumers in this survey express an intention to recycle clothing, the statistics indicate that most consumers have not developed the habit of recycling, highlighting a gap between intentions and actual behaviour. The survey also asked respondents why they had not participated in clothing recycling, with over 22% citing inconvenient recycling locations, another 22% finding the process troublesome, and 20% not understanding recycling channels and measures. Further analysis indicates that Hong Kong consumers’ recycling behaviour is primarily driven by intrinsic motivations (such as enjoyment and self-satisfaction) rather than external factors (such as financial incentives). To encourage clothing recycling, communities and stakeholders should provide sufficient support, resources, and promotion to align with consumers’ recycling intentions. 50% of Consumers Are Willing to Pay Repair Costs Equal to 10% of the Clothing Price to Extend the Life of Clothing In addition to clothing recycling, the importance of cherishing items and reusing instead of merely consuming is emphasized. Survey results show that over 60% of consumers have the habit of repairing clothes. Among those without this habit, the main concerns include inconvenience in the repair process (22%), lack of knowledge on how to repair (20%), and high repair costs (18%). Notably, 50% of respondents are willing to pay no more than 10% of the clothing price as repair costs, indicating a readiness to support sustainable consumption practices and reduce waste. This finding aligns with last year’s survey results, which suggested that cost is not the primary factor considered by consumers in implementing sustainable consumption practices. Consumers Look Forward to Fashion Brands Collectively Promoting Recycling According to the survey, the public believes that fashion brands should enhance their efforts to promote recycling. Consumers expect incentives such as shopping discounts or cash rewards for recycling (25%), collaboration with environmental organizations (22%), provision of clothing repair services (22%), and enhanced educational and promotional activities (17%). Based on these results, SFT emphasizes that businesses should actively engage in recycling education and promotion through cooperation with the government and communities, particularly in the realm of clothing recycling. Utilizing social media and peer effects, businesses can promote broader recycling behaviour, benefiting the economy, environment, and society. Dr Fan Di, Assistant Dean and Associate Professor of SFT, who coordinated this survey, stated: “The survey results indicate that the impact of recycling information from government and public organizations on consumer behaviour is significant. Policymaking should focus on enhancing consumer awareness and understanding of recycling activities, increasing public awareness of the environmental harm caused by unrecycled waste, and clearly explaining recycling methods and benefits. Government and public institutions can leverage various media channels, educational programs, and advertisements, along with social media and community organizations, to strengthen information sharing and promote environmental protection, inspiring greater public participation in recycling.”   [1] Source: “Monitoring of Solid Waste in Hong Kong – Waste Statistics for 2022” by Environmental Protection Department

SFT alumnus Mr Kay Kwok is one of the "10 Asian Designers To Watch"

Fashion Asia Hong Kong has declared SFT alumnus Mr Kay Kwok (BA, 2009) as one of the "10 Asian Designers To Watch". This accolade is awarded annually by a panel of esteemed fashion industry leaders to celebrate the innovativeness, creativity, and craftsmanship of emerging talents across Asia. The cutting-edge capsule collections of the selected designers will be showcased at the upcoming Clockenflap Music & Arts Festival at Central Harbourfront, which is scheduled to take place from 29 November to 1 December. Kay is a visionary designer from Hong Kong, and founded his brand, KWK by KAY KWOK, in 2013. Based in London, the brand has gained international acclaim for its genderless, digital, and experimental collections. KWK by KAY KWOK is renowned for challenging conventional fashion norms and stereotypes by embracing unapologetically avant-garde and futuristic aesthetics. The brand creates a dynamic space where subcultures flourish and new-age identities are celebrated. Kay's groundbreaking work has not gone unnoticed. He made history as the first Hong Kong menswear designer to present at London Fashion Week. Influential fashion editor, Suzy Menkes of the International Herald Tribune owned by the New York Times, lauded Kay for his debut collection. His unique design perspective and innovative approach have led to collaborations with a host of international brands and artists, including Sony, Nike, and Dormeuil. His creative vision has also attracted high-profile clients such as Beyoncé, Björk, Aaron Kwok, Karen Mok, Joey Yung and the late Coco Lee. In a notable achievement, Kay has been invited to design customised looks for Beyoncé's highly anticipated 2025 Renaissance World Tour, marking him as the first Hong Kong designer to work with this mega-star. The collaboration underscores Kay’s rising influence in the global fashion scene and his ability to blend artistic expression with commercial appeal.

Dr Fan Di wins prestigious Best Paper Award at Academy of Management Conference

Dr Fan Di, Associate Professor and Assistant Dean of SFT, together with his co-authors Dr Christian Felix Durach (ESCP Business School, France), Dr Frank Wiengarten (ESADE Business School, Spain), and Dr Veronica Villena (Arizona State University, USA), have been awarded the 2024 Chan Hahn Best Paper Award at the 2024 Academy of Management (AOM) conference. Their groundbreaking paper, "Diffusion of Irresponsible Workplace Practices in Supply Chains: The Chinese Industrial Sector Case", was recognised for its outstanding theoretical contribution to the field of operations and supply chain management (OSCM), methodological rigour, and relevance to managers and practitioners. This award-winning paper addresses the crucial issue of social sustainability in supply chains, specifically the diffusion of unsafe workplace practices among suppliers in the Chinese industrial sector. The study reveals that when buying firms, especially state-owned enterprises, experience workplace safety lapses, these practices are likely to be mirrored by their suppliers, thus leading to further worker harm. The findings have significant implications for policymakers, industry leaders, and managers who are focused on improving workplace safety standards in global supply chains. The AOM is one of the world's largest and most prestigious professional association for management and organisation scholars. Its annual conference is a premier event that brings together leading academics and industry experts to discuss the latest developments in management research. The Chan Hahn Best Paper Award, presented by the OSCM Division, is a highly coveted honour, given to the paper that demonstrates the most significant theoretical and practical contributions to the field, evaluated through criteria including methodological rigour, clarity, and managerial relevance. Winning this award is a testament to the high impact of the work of the authors in shaping contemporary OSCM research. This achievement highlights the global influence and academic leadership of SFT in addressing critical challenges in OSCM.

Knitwear study tour to Mainland China

A group of 16 knitwear design students, led by Drs Zhou Jinyun and Lo Kawai, embarked on a seven-day study tour to Mainland China to explore yarn spinning, knitwear manufacturing, and the latest design trends. During the trip, the students and staff members visited prominent yarn mills and knitting factories in Zhejiang Province, including the Consinee Group in Ningbo; Xinao Textiles and Diwei Fashion in Tongxiang City; and DongJing Group in Cixi City, and the design centre of Diwei Fashion in Shanghai. The students had the opportunity to observe various spinning and dyeing techniques, as well as the manufacturing process of sweaters, while exploring the latest knitting technologies and facilities. The group also went to the Shanghai Spin ExpoTM which took place from 4 to 5 September. They were inspired by the trend forum and noted the latest trends in yarn at the different in-booth presentations.

Professor Fei Bin visits Kazakhstan universities

In order to extend collaboration networks with the Belt and Road Initiative countries, Professor Fei Bin visited several universities and organisations in Kazakhstan in August 2024, together with a delegation from the University of Science and Technology of China (USTC) led by Professor Hu Yuan. Kazakhstan is the largest landlocked country in the world and generates 60% of the gross domestic product (GDP) of Central Asia. As a significant member nation along the Silk Road, Kazakhstan has an abundance of oil, gas and mineral resources but a somewhat modest population of around 20 million people. On 2 July, President Xi Jinping, President of the People’s Republic of China, attended the 24th Meeting of the Council of Heads of State of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization in Astana, the capital of Kazakhstan. The delegation composed of Professors Fei Bin, Hu Yuan, Wang Zhengzhou, Zhu Jixin, and Wang Xin arrived at the Zhubanov Aktobe Regional State University (ARSU, 阿克托别州朱巴诺夫国立大学). This University is ranked the 4th most comprehensive university and the largest university in the western region of Kazakhstan. Its Vice President, Professor Rakhym Beknazarov, provided an introduction on their academic programmes, research achievements, and international collaborations. He also expressed a keen interest to develop joint education programmes with universities in Hong Kong and Mainland China. ARSU has over 15,000 students and holds a joint undergraduate programme with the Heriot-Watt University in Edinburgh, Scotland. Prof. Hu provided an introduction on the history and achievements of the USTC and State Key Laboratory of Fire Science, while Professor Fei outlined the recent achievements of PolyU and SFT in teaching, research and industrial partnerships. After a discussion, they agreed to further explore collaborations in research, academic exchange, and partnership workshops. In the days that followed, the team members gave lectures to the local academics and students. 

SFT alumni shine at YDC 2024

The Hong Kong Young Fashion Designers' Contest (YDC) organised by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) is one of the most anticipated fashion extravaganza in Asia. The contest was successfully held on 7 September at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre. Ten local fashion designers with immense talent and creative design flair were shortlisted, including SFT alumni Yoyo Chan (BA, 2022), Catherine Hui (BA, 2024), Einar Lai (BA, 2024) and Jenice Tam (BA, 2024). Yoyo took home “Best Art Direction Award” and “My Favourite Collection Award” for her “Trouble X” collection. Yoyo’s collection breaks the stereotypes of school uniforms by deconstructing the style, adding playful elements, and defying normative expectations in the design details. Highly saturated reds are interspersed with warm yellows, reminiscent of a spirited attitude and independent personality. As she frees the garments from the rigidity of its intentions as a uniform, her design becomes an advocate for ageless rebellion.