Their creative designs, beautiful showings and big promotions have ensured that fashion from Hong Kong is the highlight of this year's fair.

The cultures of the East have always been a source of inspiration for Hong Kong designers. Asian elements have been revived and revised time and time again and what used to be on the periphery of the world of fashion and design has eventually found its way into mainstream.

Having now evolved into a mature form, the Asian way no longer appears as the glaring parody it once seemed in bygone eras. It now serves as a solid foundation for many different styles and expressions -- out goes Asian kitsch, in comes Asian chic.

No one place on earth is better positioned than Hong Kong to bring out the best in Asian influence. Looking at Hong Kong designers and brands, we see a perfect, seamless union of tradition and innovation.

Silvio Chan juxtaposes Japanese and South Asian aesthetics in his collection of floral-print tops, wrap skirt, sarong, sleeveless jacket and pants.

Internationally acclaimed designer Vivienne Tam conveys the message of peace with a Buddha-print slip dress.

The versatile William Chan gets his inspiration for men's suits from the samurai.

Pure White is another theme for the next season. White is back declares every glossy magazine at the start of each summer. However, this is also one non-color that has never really disappeared.

So pure and yet teeming with cultural meanings, white is at the same time unobtrusive and attention getting.

This ambiguity has lured many designers into taking on the difficult project of designing with white. The result is a creative mix of fabrics, shapes and forms that is pleasing to the eye and hard to resist.

On its own or used with other hues, white demands the greatest mastery from designers while presenting them with limitless possibilities.

Looking at Hong Kong, it is not difficult to explain the fascination designers have had for the young and rebellious. Youth seeks individuality and wants to challenge the status quo. Fashion provides the perfect venue for them to unleash their unique sense of identity, fears, and fantasies.

In a city that thrives on energy and creativity, and where change is constant, Hong Kong has bred a group of fashion designers keen to embrace the spirit of youth - the joy, the unpredictability and the living-in-the-moment attitude of the young at heart and soul.

Creative designs such as tiger-front T-shirts, sheer shirts, beaded tops and skirts with lace fringes.

Background

Fashion China is the only fair targeting top-grade ready-to-wear fashion in China. The fair this year has invited more than 180 fashion producers from home and overseas.

(Shanghai Star September 12, 2002)