Hong Kong - a search for an identity in the international fashion arena

In viewing the historical development of the various fashion cities around the world, there is a critical affiliation between high fashion and cultural identity. Fashion is conceptualized as a site for cultural analysis. And culture always acts as one of the decisive factors for a fashion city to be perceived as an international standing in the world’s fashion stakes. The fashion industry is considered more a manifestation of our culture than its creator. A respect for craftsmanship and tradition, the use of tradition with a modern twist is seen as contemporary approach to design. In addition pop and youth culture is equally important as a form of inspiration to design. Like the high fashion in Paris, and more specifically the haute couture, has successfully demonstrated the artistry and craftsmanship of France. The state’s active and early support for the decorative arts certainly contributed to the French fashion’s substantial influence abroad. In this respect, we would like to emphasize that traditional cultural milieu could not be disregard in enhancement of a unique fashion identity. This paper aims to explore the alliance between high fashion and cultural identity of fashion cities, and the importance of using culture as a catalyst for the originally and creativity of fashion design. This study could be used to promote a unique Hong Kong fashion identity in the international fashion market.Institute of Textiles and ClothingRefereed conference pape