On 30th November 2021, fashion designers, entrepreneurs and industry insiders alike gathered at The St. Regis Hong Kong for the Fashion Challenges Forum. Jointly held by Vogue Hong Kong and Fashion Asia, the hybrid event boasted a  spectacular line-up featuring leading talents from different facets of the industry for engaging conversations around topics of sustainability, technology and diversity in fashion.

The forum kicked off with a presentation by Alain Li, Regional Chief Executive of Richemont Asia Pacific, who provided eye-opening insights into Asia’s growing fashion and luxury market. He was joined by Desiree Au, Vogue Hong Kong’s Founding Publisher, where the two delved deeper into the different driving forces behind the rapid growth of Asia’s luxury market.

 

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Following Li was none other than Gabriela Hearst, Creative Director of Chloé, who participated via a pre-recorded video conversation with Desiree. After debuting her first collection for the brand during Autumn/Winter 2021, Hearst led Chloé to become the first ever luxury fashion house to receive B Corp certification, securing the Maison’s status as one of the most forward-looking, sustainable luxury fashion brands in the world. In conversation with Vogue Hong Kong’s Desiree Au, Hearst shared how her upbringing in a remote farm in Uruguay has influenced her worldview and her mission to produce only sustainable collections in her career.

 

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Another designer making his mark in the fashion industry is Tomo Koizumi, who also made his appearance virtually. Moderated by Saori Masuda, Fashion Director of Vogue Japan, the 30-year-old designer spoke fondly about the first clothing item he created and his biggest inspiration, John Galliano, whose work he re-imagined in a garment repurposing project backed by Vogue. As the Japanese designer finds his niche in fashion, he shares his future plans and ambitions about going global with his namesake brand.

To support local rising talents, the forum spotlighted Derek Cheng, co-founder of Ponder.er, Karmuel Young, fashion designer and founder of Karmuel Young and Rex Lo, designer and co-founder of Somewhere Nowhere in a discussion about designing identity in Hong Kong, moderated by Ahy Choi, Managing Director of Vogue Hong Kong.