Hongkongers don't really seem to support their local designers – or their artists for that matter, either. But isn't the current digital age meant to be all about disruption, inclusion and youth?
I think there are very good designers in Hong Kong, but they struggle to get visibility. Is that because of the people who read the papers or the advertisers; is it that people only want to read about Gucci? Is it just money? Or is there a genuine lack of curiosity? There's also a feeling among local consumers that if they buy a Hong Kong designer's clothes, it should cost less than HK$1,000. So the economics of that equation can just make it hard to survive for local designers, because the quality of fabric and design we produce can't be sold too cheaply either. And if the designers don't think the locals will buy their stuff, then perhaps that stops them from being so creative. It's a catch-22.
Also, many Hong Kong designers are creative, but they don't go out of the city. I think you have to force yourself to do stuff out of your comfort zone; it helps you see more, get more exposure and get to know more people. In contrast, if you go to Shanghai, you will find the designers are very creative and dynamic. But then, the mainland in some ways feels much more advanced than Hong Kong in terms of fashion and art. They are bold, eccentric and fun, and they have strong convictions.
