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 The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (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”. PolyU’s School of Fashion and Textiles (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 Jin LAM Chi-hin, Associate Professor of PolyU’s School of Fashion and Textiles, 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 Jin Lam Chi-hin graduated with a bachelor’s degree from 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 the School of Fashion and Textiles 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 Jin Lam Chi-hin 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.

Established 67 years ago, SFT is internationally recognised for its teaching quality and academic achievements, nurturing numerous talents with global perspectives, innovative thinking, and market insights for the fashion industry over the years. To keep pace with market and industry developments, the School’s curriculum has evolved, incorporating subjects such as artificial intelligence, digital design, e-commerce, and sustainability.

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