Hong Kong Fashion Fest 2024: Weaving the Future: Hong Kong Polytechnic’s Bold Vision for Fashion Education
Fête Chinoise Exclusive: On the Ground in Hong Kong at the Inaugural Fashion Fest
Written by Deirdre Kelly
Photography: Deirdre Kelly and Hong Kong Fashion Fest
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.
Located in the vibrant Hung Hom district of Kowloon, an area known for its blend of industry and culture, this Zaha Hadid-designed edifice resembles a slightly tilting mille-feuille cake. It serves as the perfect backdrop for nurturing the next generation of fashion visionaries. This striking structure, made possible by a HK$249 million donation from the Hong Kong Jockey Club, a prominent non-profit organization, stands as a testament to the city’s commitment to innovative design and education.
What sets SFT apart is its holistic approach to fashion education, seamlessly blending traditional craftsmanship with cutting-edge technology. Here, students don’t just design clothes; they’re empowered to reshape the entire fashion ecosystem. From developing sustainable textiles to reimagining supply chains, these visionaries are tackling global challenges through the lens of fashion.
“Fashion is now ever-expanding and at a critical juncture reimagining its domain boundaries with rapidly developing technology, material sciences, sustainability, and missions for humanity,” says Erin Cho, who made history in 2020 as the first Asian dean at Parsons School of Design in New York City. She joined Hong Kong Polytechnic University in fall 2022 as the inaugural executive dean of the newly established School of Fashion and Textiles (SFT), building on the 65-year legacy of the former Institute of Textiles and Clothing.
Under her guidance, SFT is redefining fashion education, embracing a comprehensive approach that marries tradition with innovation. “We believe that fashion is multifaceted,” Cho explains, “and our curriculum reflects that complexity.”
Forget the notion of fashion as mere glamour and runway spectacles. Here, aspiring designers explore the very essence of clothing creation. Students master the art of spinning cotton, weaving intricate fabrics, and printing bespoke designs on sumptuous silks. The school’s workshops are equipped with state-of-the-art machinery, including computer-controlled knitting machines and CAD systems for designing dobby and jacquard fabrics.
While these foundational skills form the bedrock of fashion education at SFT, the school’s vision extends far beyond traditional couture. In an era of global crises, SFT is at the forefront of developing innovative textiles for safety, hygiene, and sustainability. Its focus on wearable and smart textiles positions students to address real-world problems and drive social impact.
This comprehensive approach has quickly garnered international recognition. “We’re proud that SFT has already achieved a five-star rating in the QS Stars Rating System,” Cho notes, highlighting the school’s standing among global institutions. While the school is still in its early years, with the first cohort of students currently immersed in their studies, the promise of groundbreaking work is palpable in every corner of the campus.
Central to this innovative environment is the Jockey Club Innovation Tower itself, a marvel of design whose fluid architecture mirrors the creative energy within. Fifteen storeys of studios, workshops, and exhibition spaces foster a vibrant ecosystem of learning and collaboration. Here, the boundaries between disciplines blur, encouraging students to think beyond traditional fashion paradigms, much like the district itself which seamlessly merges old and new Hong Kong.
As one wanders through the building’s winding corridors, the hum of sophisticated weaving machines mingles with the quiet concentration of students sketching designs. It’s a sensory journey through the future of fashion, where innovation and craftsmanship coexist in perfect harmony, and where the first generation of SFT graduates will soon emerge to reshape the industry.
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