Study: Preloved Luxury is More Sustainable than Fast Fashion
Hong Kong/ Fashionista/ Shopping

Here’s Why Pre-Loved Luxury Is More Affordable Than Fast Fashion

VESTIAIRE COLLECTIVE 1

It’s an ongoing debate, even today: would you pick quality or quantity? Which would you prioritize? In our modern world, it seems as if people have been overwhelmingly shifting towards fast fashion. Trends, which are quick and ever-evolving, have tempted consumers to have a quantity-over-quality mindset.

Fortunately, others are pushing back. “Fast fashion is a false economy,” said Dounia Wone, Chief Impact Officer at e-commerce platform, Vestiaire Collective. An enterprise that focuses on circularity, Vesitiare is top of mind for those looking to purchase pre-loved luxury items that are ultimately, more sustainable than a checkout from Shein.

“Buying cheap fast fashion is deceptive as, in the end, you end up replacing items again and again. Circularity benefits not only consumers’ wallets, but also protects our planet.”

The cost-per-wear metric shows that pre-loved luxury is worn more times than fast fashion

Vesitaire has gone out of their way to prove their belief, working with Vaayu, a carbon management system, to delve into consumer behaviour. Analysing responses from over 13,000 people alongside 250,000 transactions, Vesitaire has dived into the cost-per-wear metric.

Made mainstream by social media, the cost-per-wear metric equates to first subtracting the resale value from the initial price and then dividing this outcome by the number of wears. This metric aims to reveal the true cost of an item based on frequency of use, total lifespan, and resale value.

In this way, fast fashion becomes less attractive as it proves that fast fashion is worn less often than pre-loved luxury, thereby making it a less sound financial decision.

“In today’s climate of inflation, it is obvious that neither people nor the planet can afford fast fashion,” said Fanny Moizant, president and co-founder of Vestiaire. “This is a wake-up call to combat overconsumption and overspending fueled by tempting low prices.”

Luxury shoes are worn more times than fast fashion shoes

What the report discovered was that pre-loved luxury shoes, for example, are (on average) worn 86 times, whereas fast fashion-produced shoes were worn 66 times. Yet, this isn’t even the most staggering finding. Cheaply produced dresses were worn nine times, while pre-loved dresses were worn 71 times, on average. This is almost eight times more cost-per-wear on average. This puts the cost-per-wear value of fast fashion dresses at US$5.66 whereas the cost-per-wear value of pre-loved luxury comes at only US$1.56.

Pre-loved designer bags also have an average of 72% lower cost-per-wear and their resale value is much more significant. Its cost-per-wear was US$2.56 while fast fashion bags came at US$9.05. Across all categories and price points, pre-loved curated fashion pieces offer about 33% lower cost-per-wear versus fast fashion, which are worn two times less on average.

Those who own pre-loved fashion also hold onto their items 31% longer than they hold onto fast fashion items. This makes a lot of sense, as fast fashion items are seen as less valuable due to the way they are made and the sheer quantity of them all. So, while it may be tempting – or even seemingly reasonable at the time – to purchase fast fashion, remember that in the long run, it’s bound to cost you more.

“Our mantra ‘Think First, Buy Second’ makes more sense than ever now,” Wone said.

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This Week's Event In Hong Kong View more

This Week's Event In Hong Kong

Re:Connect Exhibit
Jan 16 - Feb 17, 2025

Re:Connect Exhibit

Hong Kong/ Fashionista/ Style
Local Alternative Fashion Labels You Need to Know
Untitled design 2025 02 04 T125901 136

Step into Hong Kong’s buzzing local fashion scene, where style meets substance and storytelling in the most effortlessly cool way. This winter, we’re shining a spotlight on a trove of Asian-inspired local fashion labels that are redefining what it means to dress with cultural pride and modern flair. 

These homegrown brands, rooted in their rich heritage and now flourishing in Hong Kong, are here to refresh your wardrobe during the Lunar New Year — and, of course, keep you snug as the temperatures drop.

From sleek, heritage-infused outerwear to bold, contemporary statement layers, showcasing next-level craftsmanship, these labels prove that staying warm doesn’t mean sacrificing style. After all, why should you have to choose between looking fashionable and fending off the winter chill? So, get ready to bundle up and turn heads in pieces that celebrate the incredible wealth of culture Hong Kong has to offer.

YAT PIT

trench coat
Instagram/Yat Pit

Yat Pit, meaning “one stroke” in Cantonese, is a fashion brand redefining modern Chinese identity through design. Founded by British-born Chinese designer Jason Mui and Hong Kong native On Ying, the label is a celebration of Chinese culture, blending traditional motifs with contemporary wardrobe staples. 

These references are embedded organically in every outfit, lending fresh interpretations to iconic garments like the Zhongshan suit and the qipao. Season-suitable pieces include Chinoiserie style Jackets like the Qipao Trench Coat (HK$4,400), which reimagines the cheongsam as a jacket, incorporating elegant, modern details into its asymmetrical silhouette, or the Reversible Nylon Bomber Jacket, priced at HK$3,320.

Shop their collections here

Location: Yat Pit, Market Stall 5, 93 Fuk Wa St, Sham Shui Po

CLOT

CLOT x Adidas
Instagram/CLOT

If you’re on the hunt for stylish, standout pieces that break away from the typical Western streetwear scene, look no further than CLOT. Founded by the iconic Edison Chen, CLOT is at the forefront of guochao — a cultural wave that celebrates Chinese heritage and shines a spotlight on homegrown brands (often referred to as "China chic"). This movement is all about redefining modern fashion with a deep respect for tradition, and CLOT does it brilliantly.  

For items like this, explore their Lunar New Year CLOT Collection. The highlight? The CLOT x adidas Superstar “Chinese New Year” release, with timeless Chinese and Asian elements incorporated into the sneaker. A gold coin adorns a sleek monochromatic black sneaker, while an auspicious red tassel dangles from the shoelaces. If you want to stay warm, the collection also includes a bomber jacket adorned with a subtle CNY-themed pattern, a Track Top, Combat Pants, Long Sleeve T-shirt, and more. 

Shop these looks here

Location: CLOT is available in lifestyle and fashion store JUICE, in multiple locations across the city 

PONDER.ER

Ponder.er
Website/Ponder.er

Ponder.er, founded by the innovative pair Alex Po and Derek Cheng, plays with deconstructing stereotypical gender norms and menswear, encouraging individuals to embrace self-expression in their gender-fluid creations.

The brand gained recognition in Vogue Hong Kong’s "The Next List 2020." It also won the prestigious Yu Prize 2022 Grand Prize, and the designers were highlighted as in the 10 Asian Designers To Watch by Fashion Asia Hong Kong list. 

The brand continuously embeds sustainability into its innovative textures and designs, collaborating with small local manufacturers and repurposing materials found in everyday life. Standouts like their distressed denim bags and semi-sheer skin-tight knits are crafted from abandoned mattresses and tarpaulins, ensuring each piece is not only eco-friendly but also truly distinctive

For winter, why not check out their "CASE" Knitted Mohair Jacket (Orange), priced at HK$3,679, or their knitted CASE Zip-up sweater, a comfortable and one-of-a-kind addition to any outfit that also looks like it came straight off the runway. 

Shop these looks here

Location: Ponder.er is available at multiple stockists around the city 

YEUNG CHIN

drapery designs
Website/Yeung Chin

Yeung Chin is a local brand dedicated to pushing boundaries and redefining conventional shapes and textures, founded by a Hong Kong high-end designer.

The label explores traditional craftmanship, the artistry of drapery, and various sculptural elements in its designs while embracing a low-carbon, sustainable approach to fashion. 

Add the Kimono Sleeve Crop Jacket (HK$3,280) to your collection, a lightweight option featuring a striking oversized Peter Pan collar and flared sleeves, the perfect choice for those seeking bold, innovative yet wearable fashion. Or layer up with the wool Scarf Jacket (HK$3,980), a truly unique piece that showcases the designer’s expertise in draping and innovative design.

Shop these looks here

Location: Yeung Chin, Shop H406, PMQ, 35 Aberdeen Street, Central  

HARRISON WONG

harrison wong
Instagram/Harrison Wong

Harrison Wong is a Hong Kong-based contemporary urban menswear designer whose creations have been recognized worldwide for their bold and daring aesthetic. Catering to a diverse clientele and particularly resonating with fashion-forward individuals, his designs showcase exceptional design and craftsmanship, all while remaining accessible and affordable.

For the winter season, consider exploring his latest Fall/Winter 2024 collection, a simple, functional, and stylish addition to your wardrobe in the new year. Check out the Knit Jacket with Pleats and Brush Print (HK$1,760), the structured Denim and Leather Jacket with a detachable sleeve (HK$2,240), or the casual, professional Light Wool Coat with Belt (HK$2,000). 

Shop the collection here

Location: Harrison Wong, Shop S206, PMQ, 35 Aberdeen Street, Central

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Hong Kong/ Fashionista/ Style
Embrace New Beginnings with 7-Eleven’s Fresh and Festive Collaboration
588002 PR Photo for Q1 2025 Media Outreach jpg 1 Photo by 7-Eleven Hong Kong

These cute bags will round up your entire look for sure!

Usher in good fortune and joy for the upcoming New Year with 7-Eleven’s first surprise collaboration of the year. 7-Eleven Hong Kong teamed up with two beloved Japanese icons, Peko-chan from Fujiya and Sho-chan from Soap Studio for a special collection.

Together, they created a series of eight trendy Denim Style Bags with eye-catching designs, each with a unique style to fit your needs and any occasion. The collection features a striking red and blue color scheme accented with Japanese-inspired patterns on denim, giving a fusion of fashion and function.

Peko-chan and Sho-chan are darlings who captured the hearts of many, and their pairing in the collection symbolizes “good luck and happiness,” wishing everyone a New Year filled with blessings and joy.

Each bag design incorporates eye-catching Japanese-inspired patterns like peach blossoms and fireworks, alongside Peko-chan and Sho-chan. Whether it’s for your daily commute, school, shopping, or visiting family, these bags will surely elevate your style for the New Year!

All 8 bags part of 7-Eleven's collaboration with Peko-chan and Sho-chan
7-Eleven Hong Kong

Japan-Style Shoulder Tote: The bag features the cheerful faces of Peko-chan and Sho-chan on a denim print in deep blue. The design is complemented by Japanese-inspired mountain and peach blossom motifs.

The Big Blessings Sling Bang: Also on a denim print together with the faces of Peko-chan and Sho-chan, the design features peach blossoms, fireworks, and the auspicious Chinese character for luck.

Chill Vibes Crossbody Bag: Made with a denim print and textured padded cotton, it has the faces of Peko-chan and Sho-chan.

Festive Fortune Bag: The bag has the Chinese character for “Spring” and is decorated with peach blossoms and the faces of Peko-chan and Sho-chan.

Big Blessings Eco Tote: Peko-chan and Sho-chan are interwoven with peach blossoms, fireworks, and the auspicious Chinese character for “luck” against a vibrant, deep blue background.

Creamy Eco Tote: A bag with a simple design exuding a fresh and charming aesthetic, that features a unique pattern of Peko-chan, Sho-chan, peach blossoms, and fireworks.

Happy Half Moon Bag: A stylish pouch made with a denim design and a subtle Japanese wave pattern for a cool and minimalist vibe, with Peko-chan and Sho-chan’s faces!

Subtle Style Pouch: This features a unique and understated pattern of Peko-chan, Sho-chan, peach blossoms, and fireworks printed on fabric with a denim design.

“Denim Style Bag” Promotion Details

From Jan. 15 to Feb. 25, 2025, customers can earn 1 physical stamp or digital FunStamp with a single purchase of HK$20 or more at 7-Eleven stores or online. For every additional HK$10 spent, an additional stamp will be added.

To collect FunStamps with online purchases, customers must download the 7-Eleven app, register as a member, and link their Yuu account. For in-store purchases, customers need their Yuu ID scanned by the cashier before payment or pay with a linked Octopus or Hang Seng enjoy card.

Stamps are awarded on single transactions, and split transactions are not allowed.

Redemption Details

FunStamps: From Jan. 15 to Feb. 28, 2025, you can either: collect 20 FunStamps and add HK$1 to redeem one (1) random “Denim Style Bag”, collect 5 FunStamps and add HK$48 to redeem one (1) random bag, or 8 FunStamps and add HK$88 to redeem two (2) random bags.

Physical Stamps: From Jan. 15 to Feb. 28, 2025, collect eight (8) physical stamps and add HK$48 to redeem one (1) “Denim Style Bag” at random, or collect 12 physical stamps and add HK$88 to redeem two (2) bags at random.

Yuu Member Exclusive Offer: From Jan. 15 to Feb. 28, 2025, members can redeem one (1) random “Denim Style Bag” with 8,800 yuu points and an additional HK$18.

For more information, follow 7-Eleven Hong Kong on their Facebook and Instagram pages.

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Hong Kong/ Fashionista/ Fashion
KYUBI Collabs with ‘Squid Game’ for Pop-Up Store at Airside Mall in Kai Tak
20250115 KYUBI Squid Game Photo by Airside/Website

Round and round we go, round and round we go!

The ‘Squid Game’ hype has taken over the world — and Hong Kong — after season 2 dropped last December 2024. With the show still all the rage everywhere, local fashion brand KYUBI has collaborated with ‘Squid Game’ for an exclusive pop-up event at the Airside Mall in Kai Tak.

From Jan. 10 to Feb. 5, 2025, ‘Squid Game’ fans in Hong Kong can enjoy and relive many of their favorite scenes from the popular Netflix show with six unique and Instagrammable installations, exclusive products, and more.

What to See at the Squid Game x KYUBI Pop-Up

Just by the entrance, you’ll be greeted by a four-meter-tall Young-hee, the doll figure that the show is known for. Inside, fans can enjoy a close-up experience of some of the show’s iconic settings like the staircases, as well as see a human-sized replica of the 3D mask worn by the Front Man, a giant piggy bank hanging from the ceiling filled with KRW45.6 billion.

There are more Young-hees inside the pop-up store, by the way. There’s even one that shows the inner wiring and gears.

‘Squid Game’ x KYUBI Merchandise

KYUBI is a rising brand in Hong Kong’s fashion scene, encapsulating the city’s dynamic spirit with their fusion of trends, culture, and entertainment. The name takes inspiration from the Japanese mythical creature, the nine-tailed fox.

As part of the brand’s collaboration with ‘Squid Game,’ the store is spread out with miniature versions of the brand’s characters, Kyu and Kyubi Bear, in both the Front Man’s clothes and soldier uniforms.

KYUBI’s collaboration has apparel and accessories patterned after the popular Netflix show, with three t-shirts featuring the Front Man and Young-hee. They also have a Front Man-themed hoodie that’s perfect for the season.

If you’re not big on graphic tees, KYUBI has two pairs of socks (black and pink) and a Kyubi soldier purse to add to your fit.

There are also collectible figures in-store, with Kyu and Kyubi dressed as the Pink Soldiers and complete with the Square and Triangle masks.

You really shouldn’t miss out on this pop-up! Go check them out while they’re still there!

For more info and updates, visit KYUBI’s Facebook and Instagram pages! Should you wish to pre-order some merch, you can visit their website here.

Location: Airside Mall, G015, G/F, Airside, 2 Concorde Road, Kai Tak

Opening Hours: 11 AM to 9 PM

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Hong Kong/ Fashionista/ Beauty
Byredo Launches Coming Home Campaign for the Year of the Snake
Untitled design 2025 01 08 T130104 694 Photo by Courtesy of Byredo

In celebration of the Year of the Snake, the Swedish fragrance brand Byredo has partnered with Chinese artist Wei Yijuan to craft a limited-edition motif inspired by nature’s organic forms, such as the oscillating curves of a snake.

Shot by Annie Lai, the campaign for Byredo’s latest Coming Home Collection captures an intimate portrait of homecoming, tradition, and togetherness. The imagery is rooted in Wei’s family home in the Dongping mountains, a serene escape from city life where the artist often reconnects with loved ones.

campaign pictures
Courtesy of Byredo

Through Annie’s lens, special festive moments come to life — paper lanterns glowing on rooftops, family meals prepared together, and sparklers lighting up the night, all celebrating connection and traditional symbolism.

At the heart of Byredo’s Coming Home Collection is a celebration of comfort and community, in the form of perfumes, hand creams, body lotions, and body wash.

Rose of no man's land
Courtesy of Byredo

Byredo has also unveiled new scents: Blanche and Rose of No Man’s Land, which evoke a familiar warmth with rose and raspberry notes, and Desert Dawn, a fragrance that invites fresh discovery with cardamom, rose petals, and sandalwood notes.

tree house candle
Courtesy of Byredo

Enhance your home with scented candles housed in sleek, smoked black glass, and incense holders, like their new comforting, woody scent Tree House, consisting of cedar, bamboo, sandalwood, guaiac wood, and hay scents.

Location: Multiple Stores

For more information on the products, visit Byredo on their website, or follow them on Instagram, Facebook, and X (Formerly Twitter).

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Hong Kong/ Fashionista/ Style
SKIMS MENS Launches in Hong Kong Exclusively at Lane Crawford
Untitled design 2024 12 20 T113736 471 Photo by Website/ Lane Crawford

Gentlemen, brace yourselves — SKIMS has announced the launch of its men's sub-line, SKIMS MENS. After Kim Kardashian launched the underwear brand in 2019 with co-founder Jens Grede, SKIMS is back for gentlemen, and available at Lane Crawford stores in Hong Kong.

The brand, now valued at US$4 billion, is prized for its comfort, and champions body positivity and inclusivity. The menswear collection was launched on Oct. 26, 2023 and stars the football prodigy Neymar Jr, and NBA All-Star’s Shai Gilgeous in the campaign.

The SKIMS MENS Fall-Winter 2024 collection offers a sleek lineup of briefs, boxers, tanks, tees, sweatpants, and hoodies in premium fabrics such as cotton and stretch blends, a mixture of comfort, athleisure, and luxury to wear at home or as a statement.

SKIMS
Website/Lane Crawford

The prices are steep yet approachable for Kardashian-level glam: a three-pack of SKIMS MENS Cotton Boxer Briefs will set you back HK$500, while the Stretch Boxer Briefs pack of three comes in at HK$600. And let’s not forget the classic Cotton Briefs for HK$400.

Just affordable enough to stock up, yet polished, to make you feel like you’re starring in your own SKIMS campaign (minus the moody lighting).

Not just about comfort, this collection takes aim at the intersection of functionality and fashion.

Follow Lane Crawford on Instagram or Facebook. Shop the collection here.

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Hong Kong/ Fashionista/ Beauty
Fragrance Brand NONFICTION Opens Signature Store in Central
Untitled design 2024 12 19 T123208 424 Photo by Courtesy of NONFICTION

NONFICTION, the South Korean fragrance brand redefining personal care is making its debut this December on 49 Hollywood Road, Central, inviting Hong Kong to indulge in the art of scent and self-care.

Founded by Haeyoung Cha in 2019, NONFICTION began as a personal quest to enhance the small, intimate moments of daily life, like her ritualistic evening baths.

The brand has since become a leader in Asian beauty, celebrated for its plant-derived products that exclude 17 harmful ingredients, such as sulfates and parabens.

NONFICTION signature scents
Courtesy of NONFICTION

NONFICTION’s signature fragrances are primarily made in France and produced in South Korea, blending raw, natural ingredients into evocative scents that feel both familiar and transformative — like stepping into a memory you’ve never had but instantly recognize.

The collection includes signature scents like Santal Cream, a warm mix of sandalwood, vetiver, and fig; Gentle Night, a soft blend of fig, white tea, and cedarwood; and Gaiac Flower, a luxurious combination of wild rose, amber, and vanilla. Complemented by body care and home fragrance line, NONFICTION's Signature Store offers a sanctuary to create new personal narratives in the holiday season.

Now, with its Hong Kong debut, NONFICTION invites you to embrace a new kind of addiction — one that turns ordinary moments into unforgettable rituals. As Chappell Roan so aptly puts it in HOT TO GO, "It's all in my head, but I want non-fiction."

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Hong Kong/ Fashionista/ Style
JOY UNLEASHED: HEARTS ON FIRE Introduces Festive Campaign
Untitled design 2024 11 18 T113255 793 Photo by Courtesy of Hearts on Fire

HEARTS ON FIRE is lighting up the season with JOY UNLEASHED, a holiday campaign launched globally in stores on Nov. 14, 2024. Known for their modern, signature-cut diamonds, the brand invites everyone to embrace the magic and wonder that makes this time of year so special.

The campaign is complemented by a curated Holiday Edit of jewels that are perfect for gifting—or treating yourself. From everyday indulgences to show-stopping statement pieces, this curated collection is all about adding a touch of festive glamor.

Hearts on Fire Joy Unleashed
Courtesy of Hearts on Fire

Highlights include the BARRE collection, where modern design meets the pulse of the city. Its unconventional floating diamonds and graphic gold elements create a fresh, standout look.

For something timeless yet distinctive, explore the contemporary pieces from the VELA collection, showcasing a masterful French-cut pavé setting in sleek silver.

Holiday Gift Sets
Courtesy of Hearts on Fire

And don’t miss the AERIAL collection, where marquise and pear-shaped illusion settings bring every piece to life with a radiant sparkle. Classics from the Fulfillment and Temptation series are also here to add that signature HEARTS ON FIRE brilliance to your holidays.

Discover the joy of giving—and glowing—this season! To find out more, visit their website here, or follow HEARTS ON FIRE on Instagram and Facebook.

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