PolyU has pushed the boundaries of cultural and fashion innovation, and its School of Fashion and Textiles (SFT) was honoured to be invited by the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) to design a collection of ties and scarves worn by Mr John Lee Ka-chiu, the Chief Executive of the HKSAR, and his team on the announcement day of the 2024 Policy Address. Additionally, the team crafted a “China-chic Fashion” collection for the Chief Executive’s wife, five female bureau secretaries, and the director of the Chief Executive’s Office. These outfits were worn at the National Day flag-raising ceremony and other National Day celebrations organised by the HKSAR Government.

Led by Dr Jin Lam Chi-hin, a PolyU alumna and Associate Professor of PolyU’s SFT, the team has merged traditional weaving techniques with innovative technologies and adopted a green colour tone to echo this year’s Policy Address, signifying harmony, vitality and prosperity.

The SFT team has depicted some of Hong Kong’s signature skyscrapers and buildings, including the Central Government Complex and the International Financial Centre, in the design of the ties and scarves with meticulous line drawings and sharp geometric patterns respectively. The intricately arranged drawings and patterns are also used to outline the world-renowned Victoria Harbour skyline. The criss-crossing lines incorporated in the tie’s graphic design also symbolise Hong Kong’s unique advantages of enjoying strong national support while maintaining unparalleled connectivity with the world.

Dr Jin Lam Chi-hin led the students to participate in the processes of design, material selection, production, and packaging of the ties and scarves.

The exquisite collection of ties and scarves

Celebrating the National Day with "China-chic" fashion designs

Additionally, to celebrate the 75th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China, the HKSAR Government and PolyU collaborated to usher in a new era of Chinese cultural and fashion creativity. This initiative showcased the charm of Chinese culture and the unique elegance of modern women, highlighting Hong Kong’s status as an “East-meets-West Centre for International Cultural Exchange”.

Under the guidance of Dr Jin Lam Chi-hin, the PolyU team dedicated three months to creating seven exquisite outfits for the Chief Executive’s wife, five female bureau secretaries from the Civil Service Bureau, Development Bureau, Education Bureau, Home and Youth Affairs Bureau, and Housing Bureau, as well as the director of the Chief Executive’s Office. These creations, featuring intricate Chinese knot buttons, Mandarin collars, and luxurious jacquard fabrics, were showcased during the National Day flag-raising ceremony and other celebratory events.

The fashion outfits were complemented by the design of SFT alumna and founder of the fashion brand GNASTIY, Miss Vicki Tsang, who utilised 3D printing technology to create unique accessories inspired by the bauhinia flower. Not only does this represent a modern interpretation of the floral emblem of Hong Kong, but also exemplifies the combination of technology and Hong Kong fashion.

Dr Lam Tai-fai, PolyU Council Chairman, expressed his excitement about the collaboration with the HKSAR Government, stating, “We are incredibly honoured and thrilled that PolyU has been invited to design for the Chief Executive and his team.” He noted that this, alongside creating the “China-chic Fashion” collection for the Chief Executive’s wife and officials, highlights the Government’s recognition and affirmation of PolyU’s excellence. He emphasised that the University will continue its role of supporting Hong Kong’s cultural industries and the city’s development as an East-meets-West cultural centre.

Dr Jin Lam Chi-hin said that these co-design projects have enabled a group of young local fashion designers to display their creativity by merging traditional techniques with innovative technologies, while also drawing a broader blueprint for the future of the cultural and creative industries.

PolyU’s School of Fashion and Textiles was honoured to be invited by the HKSAR Government to design a collection of “China-chic Fashion” for the Chief Executive’s wife Mrs Janet Lam Lai-sim (3rd from right); Ms Bernadette Linn Hon-ho, Secretary for Development (2nd from left); Ms Winnie Ho Wing-yin, Secretary for Housing (2nd from right); Mrs Ingrid Yeung Ho Poi-yan, Secretary for the Civil Service (3rd from left); Miss Alice Mak Mei-kuen, Secretary for Home and Youth Affairs (left); and Ms Carol Yip Man-kuen, Director of the Chief Executive's Office (right). The outfits were worn by them during their attendance at the National Day Flag-raising Ceremony and Reception held by the HKSAR Government.

(From left to right) Ms Winnie Ho Wing-yin, Miss Alice Mak Mei-kuen, Mrs Ingrid Yeung Ho Poi-yan, Ms Carol Yip Man-kuen and Ms Bernadette Linn Hon-ho posed for a group photo at the National Day Flag-raising Ceremony and Reception held by the HKSAR Government.

Dr Choi Yuk-lin, Secretary for Education, wore a "China-chic" fashion outfit designed by PolyU's School of Fashion and Textiles to attend a National Day celebratory event organised by a trade association.