Cover We catch up with designers Enzo Chan and Wilson Yip ahead of the city's 5th annual Centrestage show (Photo: Courtesy of HKTDC)

We catch up with designers Enzo Chan and Wilson Yip ahead of the city's 5th annual Centrestage show to hear their thoughts on the future of fashion in Hong Kong

Since winning the Young Designer's Contest (YDC), Enzo Chan and Wilson Yip have gone on to launch capsules with luxury retailers Joyce Hong Kong and I.T.

We catch up with Hong Kong's most promising talents ahead of the city's 5th annual Centrestage show, organised by HKTDC from September 17-19, where the generation of designers will be revealed to hear their thoughts on the future of fashion in their beloved city. Follow along the virtual events on centrestage.com.hk.

See also: 18 Asian Fashion Designers Who Are Doing Us Proud

Tatler Asia
Above Enzo Chan x Joyce HK | Photo: Courtesy of HKTDC

Can you share with us your journey so far as a HK designer? Do you feel like you were supported by friends, family, the government since you began?

Enzo Chan: Yes, my friends and family are always supportive of me on chasing my dream. Also I feel so lucky that I could launch my first collection at Joyce. As a Hong Kong designer,  I feel so proud as I could keep in touch with everything in this international city. And It makes me learn more and study more, from different people and countries in internet. it helps me to build up a brand as well.

Tell us about your experience showing on a runway for the first time

EC: In my first fashion show, I was so nervous and kept checking all my items. And afraid to make any mistake of the show. But I was lucky to have a good show.

See also: Made In Hong Kong: Robert Wun On Heritage And Rejecting Stereotypes In Fashion

Tatler Asia
Above Enzo Chan x Joyce HK | Photo: Courtesy of HKTDC
Tatler Asia
Above Enzo Chan x Joyce HK | Photo: Courtesy of HKTDC

How has winning YDC and working with luxury retailers like Joyce changed your career?

EC: Yes, after working with Joyce, I really want to build up my own brand and keep launching different collections. That’s why I am preparing the next collection now.

What are your next goals for your brand?

EC: To launch the next collection and join more competition to earn more reputation.

What are your hopes for the HK fashion scene and the new designers coming up this year?

EC: I hope they would like to develop more design techniques and textures, also I want them to believe and be themselves.

See also: Made In Hong Kong: How Karmuel Young Is Redefining Masculinity

Tatler Asia
Above Wilsonkaki Collection | Photo: Courtesy of HKTDC

Can you share with us your journey so far as a HK designer? Do you feel like you were supported by friends, family, the government since you began?

Wilson Yip: I was born and raised in Hong Kong, I wanted to be a painter when I was a kid. but when the time I grow up, I get to know more about fashion and think it could be another way to express my idea and insight, so I have attended design school. Hong Kong is a place that has plenty of opportunities, in Hong Kong, there are many associations supporting new designers, and I am grateful that I am also the lucky one.

Tell us about your experience showing on a runway for the first time

WY: The day is mixed with excitement and anxiety. I barely remember the details, all I remember the backstage are very dark and busy and the producer kept yelling QUICK QUICK QUICK.

See also: 10 Emerging Asian Menswear Designers You Need To Know About

Tatler Asia
Above Wilsonkaki Collection | Photo: Courtesy of HKTDC
Tatler Asia
Above Wilsonkaki Collection | Photo: Courtesy of HKTDC

How has winning YDC and working with luxury retailers like I.T changed your career? 

WY: YDC 2019 is one of the memorable moments of my life. Collaborate with I.T. is a great experience since I barely have experience in the field of retail, and they provide me a platform to promote my design.

What are your next goals for your brand?

WY: To approach more potential customers overseas.

What are your hopes for the HK fashion scene and the new designers coming up this year?

WY: Fashion is a part of culture, I feel like Hong Kong has slowly become a cultural desert since most of our traditions and culture have slowly disappeared. Instead of building up some new cultural district, I hope the Hong Kong government can put more effort to maintain existing cultural heritage and put more funding to support HK creativity, which could make the city grow healthily.

See also: Tatler Hot List: Asia’s Biggest Fashion Stars

Topics