Since its inception, Vogue Hong Kong has not only made its mark in the international fashion scene but has also been dedicated to shining the spotlight on local fashion talents, especially through its now four-year partnership with CENTRESTAGE. As we embrace a new era after the turbulent years of the pandemic, buzzwords such as “health”, “comfort”, “spirituality” and “timeless” have taken on new meanings in our everyday conversations. Thus, for 2023, we have decided to explore how designers can create a comforting sanctuary through clothing, conceptualised as the theme “Radiant Wellness”.
“Radiant Wellness” encapsulates the positive mentality and lifestyle people desire across spiritual, physical, social, and environmental dimensions. Dr. Rebecca Arnold, fashion historian and author, once said, “We were already seeing mixes of athleisure and high-fashion pieces before the pandemic. It’s possible that it will re-emerge as a stronger trend still.” In the global fashion scene, designers have leaned towards minimalist and comfortable designs as the quiet luxury trend reigns supreme (and not just because of HBO’s “Succession”). When consumers purchase a piece of clothing nowadays, it is natural to pay attention to its label: the place of origin of production, materials, and whether a piece meets sustainable development commitments. There is no doubt that the pandemic has changed the consumer mentality and raised people’s standards for shopping — being able to wear a sustainable design, in itself, has become mainstream.
After reflecting on life over the course of the pandemic, various local designers have explored different possibilities of their work in creating stage costumes for celebrities, and have even taken it upon themselves to conceptualise their designs around the theme of the pandemic. Despite a challenging few years, Hong Kong designers remain as innovative and creative as ever. I was particularly moved by DEMO’s presentation at the CENTRESTAGE ELITES Show last year, where a star-studded model lineup shined in the brand’s unique, androgynous designs. This year, I am particularly looking forward to seeing how one of the 2023 ELITES brands, REDEMPTIVE, will showcase its new works on the runway. While Wilson's designs have always been rebellious, the brand pursues practicality and values comfort, and I have worn many of his garments myself.
Armed with unparalleled talent, this year’s rising stars are weaving their dreams with every stitch and seam, creating garments that restore a sense of internal balance for its owner. While it is often said that clothing is all about storytelling, the true power of fashion lies in its ability to connect the mind, the body and the spirit, which is the essence of “Radiant Wellness”.
Simon Au
Editorial Director, Vogue Hong Kong