Eddiehe multi-talented fashion designer, with over half a century of experience in clothing design and tailoring, was the first Hong Kong designer to showcase at Paris Fashion Week. His work has since caught the eye of many esteemed fashion publications, including Vogue France. His uncompromising dedication and resilience epitomises the Hong Kong spirit: “I believe that the spirit of Hong Kong is to do what you love the most, and to never regret, never compromise, and always persevere, persevere, persevere.”
What makes Eddie Lau truly remarkable is his unwavering dedication and focus towards his craft. His profound immersion in the world of fashion since childhood, coupled with experiences abroad, has cultivated a profound understanding and refinement in his work. It’s no wonder that when asked about the most unforgettable aspect of his over half a century of creations, he promptly responds with just two words: foundational skills.
I believe that the spirit of Hong Kong is to do what you love the most, and to never regret, never compromise, and always persevere, persevere, persevere.
Eddie Lau
“Whether I’m designing ready-to-wear or custom-made clothing, tailoring is the cornerstone of my work. My studio is my cherished sanctuary, much like how the kitchen is considered to be the heart of a home. I know every corner of my studio like the back of my hand, and every object within it is crafted by me. In truth, with skilled hands and tactile perception, simply touching different fabrics will guide your design process. It’s important to understand that fabrics with different textures behave and respond differently during the design process, which in turn informs design decisions including proportions, collar heights, sleeve details, button placements, and more. These nuances can only be understood through hands-on experience.”
“If you ask me to pick the most unforgettable piece, I would say it’s the evening gown Anita Mui wore while accepting the Golden Needle award at the 1998 Top Ten Chinese Gold Songs Awards. I employed various tailoring techniques originating from Western suits dating back a century ago to create an elegant and grand evening gown for Anita Mui. At first glance, its intricacies might not be apparent, but once worn, the meticulous craftsmanship in different areas of tailoring shines through.”
As you listen to Eddie speak, it becomes clear that he derives immense pleasure from tailoring custom-made garments that are uniquely suited to each client’s body and preferences.“In fact, tailoring requires a deep understanding of women. From the moment I see a female customer enter my studio, I can discern everything from what heels she’s wearing, the colour of her lipstick, whether she’s fashion-conscious or in a relationship, to the purpose behind getting a custom-made garment. Maybe I have a keen sense of observation; I often visit museums, read books, and observe people and whatnot. Whenever I travel abroad to places like London, Paris, Milan, etc., I love sitting in cafes, sipping coffee, because it allows me to observe people and things closely. I observe what people wear, how they move, their gestures, and so on.”
Eddie’s thirst for knowledge confirms that when you love your work, even after hours, you’ll seek out related materials to study and absorb tirelessly. Could this be his definition of the Hong Kong spirit? “I believe that the spirit of Hong Kong is to do what you love the most and to never regret, never compromise, and always persevere, persevere, persevere. Personally, I’ve never been one to chase after vanity. Since opening my studio, I’ve never wasted time wining and dining with clients or flattering them. I understand that when clients appreciate my work, it’s for the artistry and craftsmanship, so I must focus on creating and remember that these are my creations. Only when I am satisfied with the final product do I feel ready to present it to the clients. If out of 100 people, 50 think you’re good, it means you’re not doing anything wrong. If 60 people like it, you should be happy. If 80 people like it, you’ll sleep well at night. But having all 100 people say it’s good is impossible. In any case, one must hold oneself to high standards.
With Eddie’s wealth of experience, what advice does he have on persevering the Hong Kong spirit? “The younger generation nowadays only looks at the present without considering the long-term trajectory. Many think they’ve hit a dead end after just a few years and can’t see the future. But youth is about sacrifice. As long as you’re willing, you’ll make it. Look at me, earning money since I was 11, and by 18, I’d saved up for my studies abroad. Of course, in London, I had to do odd jobs to survive. But everything depends on your own efforts; no one will hand it to you on a silver platter.
What words of wisdom does Eddie have for the people of Hong Kong? “Hong Kong is a metropolis full of opportunities. It’s small in size, and the competition isn’t that intense. In every field, you can find a few outstanding individuals but it’s not difficult to surpass them; just set them as your goal, and you’ll have room for improvement. Personally, I feel sorry for those who feel compelled to leave, because other places can’t offer as many opportunities, and Hong Kong’s healthcare is also top-notch. Hong Kong is where my roots lie. Now that I am officially retired at the age of 48, and I’m no longer in the game, I feel the need to settle down and lead a more secluded life. These days, I’m travelling between Thailand, Shenzhen, and Hong Kong. Reflecting on my achievements at 50, I have no regrets in this life; I can enjoy the simplicity of life. Ultimately, happiness and joy come from within; don’t rely on others to provide it for you.”
Translated by Hala Kassem
Photography: Max Chan
Text: Peter Wong
Location courtesy of Hong Kong Heritage Museum
Editor
Peter Wong
