Inside the INaugural Hong Kong Fashion Fest

Haute couture fashion designer Phan Huy’s journey reads like a Cinderella story. From playing with curtain fabric in rural Vietnam to making history as the first and youngest Vietnamese designer to present at Paris Haute Couture Week, Phan Huy and CEO Steven Doan are redefining global style. In an exclusive interview with Fête Chinoise at Hong Kong Fashion Fest 2026, the duo shares the emotional inspiration behind their Blurred Boundaries collection, balancing creative soul with commercial wisdom, and their ambitious vision for Vietnamese couture on the world stage.

As the only Canadian media outlet invited to Hong Kong’s 3rd annual Fashion Fest, Fête Chinoise offers an exclusive, on-the-ground look at “Rhythm Of The Heart.” From grand couture showcases at the Hong Kong Palace Museum and dynamic citywide pop-ups to CENTRESTAGE, sustainable menswear exhibitions, and the star-studded Gala, discover how Hong Kong is redefining its role as a premier international hub for global fashion, culture, and design.

Set against the sweeping backdrop of Victoria Harbour at the Rosewood Hong Kong, the Hong Kong Fashion Fest Gala 2026 brought together international designers, cultural icons, and stars like Stephanie Au, Irene Kim, and Elva Ni. From the "10 Asian Designers to Watch" showcase to a spellbinding performance by the Hong Kong Ballet costumed by Robert Wun, Fête Chinoise takes you on the ground for an unforgettable evening celebrating Asian design mastery.

From honing her craft under Vera Wang to launching her own atelier, Hong Kong fashion designer Vivian Luk embodies creative evolution and resilience. Discover the Toronto-raised couturier’s journey, her signature draping techniques, and her latest "Enchanted" collection unveiled at Hong Kong Fashion Fest 2026’s VIRTUOSE showcase.

"Wear’s HK" brings 20 of Hong Kong’s most compelling fashion designers to six iconic shopping hotspots—including Harbour City, ifc mall, Harvey Nichols and more. From the gender-neutral tailoring of DEMO and PONDER.ER to the exquisite couture of KEV YIU and Natacha Van, explore how these homegrown talents are redefining modern Asian fashion.

Hong Kong Fashion Fest 2026 kicked off its third annual edition with VIRTUOSE: The Artistry of Couture at the Hong Kong Palace Museum. Set against a dramatic, crimson-swathed foyer, four visionary designers from Hong Kong, Spain, and Vietnam came together in a vibrant creative exchange, redefining modern haute couture through traditional craftsmanship and cultural storytelling.

In the heart of Hong Kong’s bustling metropolis, a sartorial revolution is quietly unfolding. The Hong Kong Polytechnic University’s School of Fashion and Textiles (SFT) stands as a beacon of innovation, housed within the architectural marvel that is the Jockey Club Innovation Tower. 

Last Monday evening, The Henderson—a new architectural marvel of steel and glass in Hong Kong’s Central district—became a vibrant stage for VIRTUOSE, an international couture showcase and the centrepiece of the inaugural Hong Kong Fashion Fest. Set against stunning 270-degree views of the city’s skyline, the event on Nov. 25 began with an intimate morning unveiling where the invited creators showcased their intricate collections, culminating in an evening celebration that highlighted artistry and cultural exchange.

It was an affair to remember (to quote an old Hollywood movie set in Hong Kong), and Canada’s Fête Chinoise was there in the thick of it, mingling with Hong Kong’s best-dressed A-listers. Cantopop headliners, film stars, fashion designers, models, financiers, philanthropists, and other industry creatives and influencers gathered at the blowout Vogue Loves Hong Kong party held at West Kowloon Art Park on Thursday night.