Hong Kong's Coolest Street Icon: Julius Brian Siswojo
Hong Kong/ Fashionista/ Style

Meet Julius Brian Siswojo, Hong Kong's Coolest Street Icon

Julius Brian Siswojo wears many hats in his hectic Hong Kong life.

He runs the city’s longest-lasting local skateboarding brand, 8FIVE2, introduced premium men’s grooming to the masses with Handsome Factory Barbershop, swings and raps with his crew, 24Herbs, orchestrated the city’s first tribute show to local hip-hop, Whats Good Music Awards, and has acted alongside Keanu Reeves, Donnie Yen, and Aaron Kwok.



Sitting in a kitsch cha chaan teng opposite his Causeway Bay location for Handsome Factory Barbershop, my hour-long interview delving into Brian’s life almost follows a sensational narrative of a celebrity Wikipedia entry, met with twists and turns that have matured the Jakarta-born Hong Konger into a central figure in the local skateboarding, barbering, rapping, and cinema spaces.

The conception of Brian’s Hong Kong story came to being with a move to the city in 1985 to study English, at the behest of his mother. With his older sister, Brian began his studies at the now-defunct Royden House School in Mid-Levels, “a hood,” Brian told The Beat Asia.

Brian developed his distinct fixation for skating on a lone football pitch in Aberdeen, during a summer sports day, in 1988. At 14 years old, the Indonesian teenager picked up a board borrowed from a friend on the pitch and instantly fell in love with the sport. “I stepped on [the board] and pushed, and was like, dude, this is the best sh*t ever! I didn’t stop till that day. I am the only dude in Hong Kong that never stopped [skating].”

At the turn of the ‘90s, Brian’s life revolved in orbit with skating culture existing everywhere: he would pour over skate magazines Thrasher, Transworld, and Slap Magazine “20 to 30 times,” indulge in street fashion, and obsess over U.S.-produced skate videos. He quickly joined a niche skateboarding dominion in Hong Kong, consisting of 50 to 100 skaters, according to Brian’s estimates. Skaters would hang out and shop at the city’s “first skating store,” Bicycle World in Wan Chai, and freestyle outside Central’s City Hall.

“Once I found out [about Bicycle World], every day after I finished school, I went down there to check out the boards, look at the graphics, nerding out.” In 1989, Brian brought his first board from the store with HK$1,800. At night-time seshes with more experienced skaters in the city, Brian caught the attention of skate shop Now N’ Later, eventually sponsoring the then 16-year-old to skate.

As Brian finished his high school studies at 17 in Hong Kong, there was a sudden desperation to remain in the city he had grown fond of, rather than return to Indonesia. In a plan to extend his time, Brian travelled to Japan to study Japanese for nine months, before securing his HKID. He secured a job with his uncle’s employment agency, assisting Indonesian nationals operating as foreign domestic helpers, which inevitably hindered his opportunity to skate. “I worked seven days a week; I had no time to skate.” Eventually, Brian found office work at Oxford University Press, affording him more time on weekday nights and weekends to skate.

In 1998, Brian met Alyasha “Aly” Owerka-Moore, an American fashion designer and skateboarder, who owned influential skating brand, Alphanumeric. Having purchased skating equipment and clothing from overseas for years prior, a lightbulb moment came to Brian. “Let me order and distribute your brand,” he asked Aly. He poured HK$450,000 of savings into an inventory, stocking clothes in his Causeway Bay family home, and selling to friends. In two weeks, he doubled his investment. A year later, and in his small bedroom, Brian founded 8FIVE2SHOP, importing Carhartt WIP, Thrasher, Alien, Habitat, Elwood, and more to sell locally.

"I was chilling," Brian said, ordering consignment and shipping to local shops in Mong Kok, Prince Edward, and Tsim Sha Tsui, whilst operating 12 accounts in Hong Kong. Impressing Aly and the team at Alphanumeric, Brian was pitched to become sales and marketing director for APAC in 2000. He distributed apparel and equipment to Taiwan, Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, and the Philippines. When internal arguments sprouted within the U.S.-based founding team at Alphanumeric, Aly quit his position, with Brian offered the position of creative director from the company, but later declining. His goal was set on opening his own store.

8FIVE2SHOP opened officially to a Hong Kong market in 2001, stowed inside a worn commercial building on Jaffe Road in Causeway Bay. For five years, Brian ventured to run the entire store himself, sourcing and importing stock and selling boards and skate apparel to visitors. Today, 8FIVE2 dominates the local skateboarding scene, inspiring upwards of 40,000 skaters in the city, Brian estimates, to indulge in a trending sport, and has also popularised street fashion and culture in Hong Kong.

Sourcing a need to further provide back to a hungry – and growing – skateboarding community in Hong Kong, Brian established the All Hong Kong Skateboards Association (AHKSA) in 1999 with friend, actor-model Pak Khei, providing a platform for skateboard community events, hosting workshops, lessons, and camps for children.

In 2011, 8FIVE2 created Hong Kong’s first ever indoor skatepark, Sk85IVE2, further positioning Brian as instrumental to pushing skating upwards in the city. In the past seven years, AHKSA has taken on a greater role in pushing for city-wide events to promote skateboarding.

However, back in 2003, Brian made “the best decision I ever made”: travel to South Korea and meet his wife, Annie Lee. Two years later, he met his next import partner, Conroy Chan, leading Brian onto his next venture: rap and hip-hop. Scoping the music scene in Hong Kong, Conroy bemoaned a lack of hip-hop serving the people; he was intent in creating the city’s first modern rap crew to serve that absence.

In 2006, Conroy, known as Drunk, formed 24Herbs with Brian (Sir JBS), rappers Brandon Ho (Ghost Style), Eddie Chung (Dor Yuk), Kit Leung, and Phat Chan. The crew’s name referred to 廿四味 (jaa6 sei3 mei2), a local Hong Kong bitter tea drink with strong health benefits. “It’s rough with foul slang, but the message is good for you,” Brian said. 24Herb's inaugural album, “24herbs,” released in 2008 to “a lot of love from commercial radio and locals.”

Rock musician Paul Wong hosted the rapping group in a rock concert “Let’s Fight” in 2008, propelling them into the limelight. Photographer to Wong Kar Wai’s cinematographer, Wing Shya, directed one of the group’s music videos. Confessed fan of 24Herbs American-Hong Kong rapper MC Jin featured on “照做” (Jiu Jo), establishing Brian, Conroy, and their crew in the scene. “We were more like entertainers, than rappers,” Brian admitted. “Hong Kong is so stressful. We just wanted to chill out and relax.”

Another twist in the fairy-tale story of Brian’s life came in 2009, as 8FIVE2SHOP and 24Herbs thrived with growing success, when the multi-hyphenate man received a call from screenwriter Felix Chong of “Infernal Affairs” to star in his debut directed film, “Once a Gangster.” At the same time, Brian was pitched and starred as a cameo for Wing Shya’s “Hot Summer Days.”

A big break in Brian’s silver screen career arrived in 2012 when his agent received a call to audition him for “Man of Tai Chi” starring Keanu Reeves. “I travelled to Beijing to meet with him and shadowed for a whole month in the filming. When he came to Hong Kong for shooting, we [ate] fried chicken wings and ramen with him. I invited him to 8FIVE2. The dudes in there freaked out when they saw him there!”

“The satisfaction [of acting] is pretty amazing, it’s like landing a trick. People convinced me to go for it and I'm thankful. I owe it to Felix Chung who gave me the opportunity. I don’t push for it but I look for the right opportunities to make my breaks. People will see me on the silver screen next time, and say, oh, it’s that guy!”

“I am hoping one day I can be the leading actor, but I’m not chasing it. Wherever there’s an acting role, I’m hyped and I’m taking it.”

However, Brian’s story doesn’t stop just there. As transpired in our interview with him, whatever is missing in Hong Kong, he wants to provide it. And in 2015, that happened to be the city’s first premium men’s hair grooming chain, Handsome Barber Factory. “I love classical stuff,” he said.

“I had always wanted to open a barbershop, ever since 2005. Hong Kong is a melting pot city. Everyone coming to town would ask me, where’s the barbershop? I would answer, we don’t have one. A few years ago, it sounds like we needed to open one. A shop with an authentic 1950s barbershop experience.”

Brian enlisted the help of partner Jeffrey Chong and master barber Ball Ng to open Handsome Factory’s first chain store on Haven Street in Causeway Bay. From 2015 onwards, Brian and Jeff enlisted a team of 40 trained barbers, opening two stores in Causeway Bay, two in Central, as well as in Wan Chai, Tsim Sha Tsui, and Lane Crawford IFC.

Recently, Brian has returned to his rapping fever, inaugurating Hong Kong’s first exclusive hip-hop/rap music ceremony, What’s Good Music Awards 2022, held on Aug. 6. As a tribute to a scene that has exploded following the creation of 24Herbs, Brian and Phat sought to pay back and acknowledge the male and female artists building the local hip-hop industry.

"We wanted to build this platform to acknowledge these people. We want these artists to have a platform, hopefully, so that they can make a living out of their art. We need more real representation in the industry.”

With 8FIVE2 and Handsome Factory led by trusted friends, Brian is set on driving his acting career, appearing in a 20-episode TV series for local channel Viu.TV and a Malaysian-Hong Kong action film production in September, October, and November. “I still love learning the whole process [of making a film], working with hundreds of people to make it happen,” he said.

Like everything in his storied Hong Kong life, he is distinctly resolute about his committing to his passions and goals. “What I believe in is what I really believe in. I pour my 110% into everything. I f*cking do shit and make it happen.”

"Always stay loyal,” Brian said, ending our interview, a humble phrase that the street icon follows every day.


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This Week's Event In Hong Kong

Hong Kong/ Fashionista/ Style
TUMI Celebrates their Milestones with a Gilded Limited-Edition Collection
20250429 TUMI 50th Golden Photo by TUMI

TUMI shows its continued iconic status with their golden anniversary releases. 

International travel and lifestyle brand TUMI has released a numbered, limited-edition capsule collection of gilded cases and accessories in celebration of their 50th anniversary.

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“We wanted to do something truly special for our 50th anniversary,” said Creative Director Victor Sanz. “And what better way to celebrate than by taking our iconic 19 Degree design and giving it a bold, metallic gold twist? This ultra-limited-edition drop is all about celebrating where we’ve been – 50 years of pushing boundaries in design and craftsmanship – and where we’re headed. It’s the perfect blend of innovation, style, and celebration.” 

The limited-edition collection features four silhouettes from TUMI’s signature 19 Degree Aluminum collection: a Briefcase (HK$18,300), International Carry-On (HK$13,800), Watch Travel Case (HK$6,300), and a Minaudiere (HK$12,800) – in celebratory Bullion Gold

The International Carry On in Bullion Gold
Courtesy of TUMI
The Flap Case and Mini Train Case Crossbody in Bullion Gold
Courtesy of TUMI

Each radiant piece features an aircraft-grade aluminum shell with TUMI’s iconic 19 Degree contours and distinctive details and comes finished with a 50th anniversary story patch that includes its unique edition number. Only 250 units of each silhouette are available worldwide, making these pieces covetable collectors’ items for TUMI enthusiasts. 

The collection is now available at select TUMI retail stores. Select styles will also be available at TUMI flagship and retail stores globally, including China, Hong Kong, Macau, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, and Thailand. Check out the Limited-Edition Gold Capsule Collection on TUMI's website here

See TUMI’s Limited-Edition Gold Capsule at Fashion Walk, Shops 11 & 25, G/F, 11-19 Great George Street & 27-47 Paterson Street, Fashion Walk, Causeway Bay.

For more information and updates, follow TUMI on Facebook and Instagram

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Hong Kong/ Fashionista/ Beauty
Need a Spring Reset? Take a Svenson Spa Day for a Happier Scalp
Svenson 2 Photo by Courtesy of Svenson

Let’s be honest – most of us haven’t a clue how to properly treat our scalps, we just pray to the hair gods that our half-hearted shampoo routine counts as "self-care" and hope for the best. 

So when Svenson Hong Kong offered me a real deep clean with their revitalizing hair spa treatment, I practically jumped at the chance to rescue my roots. 

With spring approaching, I was on a mission to rescue my hair from the dryness left by the winter months, and Svenson’s unique approach to scalp care seemed like the perfect solution, while also providing a much-needed break from the hustle and bustle of Hong Kong.

svenson clinic
Courtesy of Svenson

Trichology, the study and science behind hair and scalp health, is making a comeback in the ever-shifting beauty world, and I was keen to find out if it was more than a buzzword. Stepping into the pristine clinic assured me that I was in the hands of certified professionals, with numerous prestigious certificates and awards lining their every shelf.

The treatment began with a personalized consultation, where a trichologist used a digital microscope to assess the condition of my scalp, and proceeded to project these images onto a computer monitor. Watching a blown up visual of my scalp through a microscopic lens was an eye-opening experience. To my dismay, there were dry patches, lingering dandruff and even some gunk lodged deep in the crevices of my scalp.

consultation
Courtesy of Svenson

To address these problem areas, the trichologist recommended the 90-minute Onsen Aroma Relaxation Hair Spa (HK$1,388 for a trial, original price is HK$2,080, and package price is HK$11,288 for 10 sessions). She advised this would help to fight off the "3 Ds"dirt, dandruff, and dimethicone (a common ingredient in hair products which can cause buildup and even exacerbate hair loss).

Next, I was led to a serene and spacious treatment room, where the spa experience kicked off with a warm sleeping mask placed over my eyes—the perfect way to start unwinding, as well as a selection of aromatic essential oils for the waterfall-style hair spa.

The treatment included a thorough scalp cleanse using the Intensive Purifying Treatment, followed by an Infrared Electric Scalp Massage that left me feeling deeply invigorated. Then came a vigorous shampoo and head massage, expertly applied with just the right amount of pressure. The experience culminated in the refreshing sensation of a moisturizing waterfall-style hair spa, which gently cascaded over my scalp. 

Next came the Placenta Restorative Treatment, designed to boost blood circulation and promote hair growth. While the name may sound a little intimidating, it was surprisingly soothing and left my scalp feeling revitalized.

Onsen Aroma
Courtesy of Svenson

To complete the indulgence, I enjoyed a soothing herbal-ball chest and shoulder massage. They then used a device on my scalp that looked straight out of a sci-fi movie – called a 12 Laser Comb – which helps stimulate hair follicle growth.

The session wrapped up with a thorough scalp analysis to assess the before-and-after effects of the treatment. The difference was striking; the treatment had cast off the stubborn residue and dandruff, and my scalp looked impeccably clean and refreshed. Every trace of buildup had been gently but effectively eliminated, leaving the scalp not just cleansed but truly rejuvenated. 

If I were to go again, Svenson's professional team recommended the Rescue Dandruff Control Treatment (Original Price at HK$600) and if short on time, the 25-minute Onsen Aroma Relaxation Hair Spa Express, which includes an all-rounded ritual of scalp deep cleansing, hair follicle stimulation and even hair cuticle and hair cell nourishment. The trial price for the Express Spa is HK$538, the original price is HK$1,080, and the package price HK$6,888 for 10 sessions.

Additionally, if you're seeking more scientifically leaning treatments, Svenson offers the cutting-edge INDIBA + NMN Cellular Regeneration Treatment, which combines RF (radio frequency) technology with NMN cell regeneration therapy to target blood circulation and encourage thicker, stronger hair. This package is available at the trial price of HK$1,888 (originally HK$8,320 per session) for two sessions.

NMN
Courtesy of Svenson

Final Verdict 

The results were immediate and lasting. My scalp felt incredibly clean, almost tingling, and the freshness lingered without any irritation.

While it’s not a one-time fix for dry hair or hair loss (consistency is key), my hair certainly benefited from the treatment. It felt softer and had a natural bounce thanks to the nourishing products used.

While Svenson’s treatments are on the pricier side, the soothing luxurious experience from start to finish, coupled with the informative professional consultations before and after the spa, makes it a worthwhile experience.  

If you’re looking to doze off and be pampered, this may not be the spa treatment for you. However, if you want a comprehensive, science-based treatment with advanced technologies focused on your hair needs, including scalp and hair follicle health, Svenson will give you the ultimate care. 

For more information or to book at treatment, visit Svenson on their website, or check out their Instagram and Facebook.

Location: Svenson Hong Kong, Room 2401-02, Chubb Tower, Windsor House, 311 Gloucester Road, Causeway Bay (click here for other locations)

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Hong Kong/ Fashionista/ Style
REFASH To Open Their Newest Hong Kong Store at East Point City on Apr. 25.
REFAS Hs East Point City store Photo by REFASH Hong Kong

Score designer finds and preloved steals like Zara and Ralph Lauren at REFASH’s newest Hong Kong branch!

Leading preloved fashion retailer REFASH is opening its newest Hong Kong store at East Point City, Tseung Kwan O this Apr. 25, 2025! Known for offering high-quality secondhand fashion at affordable prices starting from HK$29, REFASH’s expansion is a response to the growing demand for sustainable and budget-friendly fashion in Hong Kong. 

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REFASH provides a wide range of casual outfits, activewear, seasonal essentials, and office wear with a carefully curated selection of over 1,000 styles. Apart from secondhand fashion, the store will also feature its signature “Brand New with Tags” (BNWT) collection, offering unworn pieces from Zara, Ralph Lauren, Nike, COS, Calvin Klein, and Love Boito at discounts of up to 90% off retail prices

REFASH will also be bringing the popular “Celebrity Closets” to their newest store, with an East Point City outlet’s exclusive collection of curated preloved clothing from over 10 local KOLs and celebrities from Apr. 25. Fans can recreate the trendy and stylish looks of BabyShadow 小影, Leslie Chu, Amber Chua, and more!

As part of its commitment to make fashion more circular, REFASH will be hosting Instant Cash Out (ICO) Events, a popular and convenient way for Hongkongers to declutter their wardrobes in exchange for cash. During ICO events, customers bring bags of clothes to the store at their reserved time slot, receive a quote within an hour, and are paid on the spot. 

Customers can also choose to donate any unaccepted items to The Salvation Army through REFASH’s donation initiative. 

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REFASH East Point City Grand Opening

From Apr. 25 to 27, shoppers can look forward to some exciting activities in celebration of the grand opening of REFASH’s fourth outlet at East Point City, such as: 

  • Participate in a “Spin the Wheel” to get exciting welcome gifts, including REFASH HK$30 voucher, CL Mall HK$25 voucher, Starbucks HK$20 gift card, and OP Beauty HK$10 voucher.
  • A chance to meet KOLs Gigi, Hanna, Helen, and Queenie
  • Sell clothes at the popular Instant Cash Out event (by appointment only)

For more info about the Grand Opening and REFASH, visit REFASH’s website and Instagram page!

Location: Shop 199G, 1/F, East Point City, 8 Chung Wa Road, Tseung Kwan O

Opening Hours: Daily from 11 AM to 9 PM

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Hong Kong/ Fashionista/ Style
Discover the Enchanting alice + olivia 2025 Collection 'Hotel Imagination'
Alice olivia 1 Photo by alice + olivia

Fancy indulging in a world of fantasy and elegance? This spring, alice + olivia by Stacey Bendet welcomes you to the enchanting and timeless library of their Spring 2025 collection, "Hotel Imagination."

Each room embodies a signature print or embellishment — think a lace library, a fantasy floral salon, a decoupaged dinette, and a chambre de l'étoile. The collection masterfully blends old-world charm with modern preppy bohemian glamor, creating a dreamy escape into Bendet’s creative universe.

signature
Courtesy of alice + olivia

This season’s color palette is a playful “preppy primary,” featuring soft baby hues like chambray, banana yellow, and dusty pinks, punctuated by bold pops of red and blue. The preppy theme is further emphasized with bouclé blazers, crisp knit polos, to name a few.

Femininity takes center stage, referencing Fifties and Sixties through ladylike shifts, drop-waist dresses, full skirts, and crystal-embellished tunics. These pieces evoke a nostalgic past of vintage cars and timeless elegance, reimagined for the modern woman. 

spring
Courtesy of alice + olivia

Sculptural jackets and vests feel strikingly modern, while classic couture shapes are reimagined in innovative ways. Drop-waist bodices and full skirts are crafted from wrinkle-resistant moiré, while engineered vertical florals create the striking illusion of an hourglass silhouette.

Standout pieces include corsets built from stretch knits, designed as statement items for the season. These are paired with the new “Olivia pant,” hailed by Bendet as “the best and most flattering butt fit we’ve ever made!”  

Dress to impress with their elegant evening wear, designed to dazzle, featuring show-stopping pieces like a glittering column gown adorned with hundreds of pink mirrored shards and a series of statement capes. 

handbag/clutches
Courtesy of alice + olivia

For the first time since 2019, alice + olivia are introducing handbags, each tied to a hero embroidery or embellishment from the collection. Their crystal-encrusted clutch doubles as statement jewelry, while glittering baguette bags are hand-embellished with beads and paillettes. 

These accessories will be released as limited-edition drops throughout the season.

Location: Multiple Locations 

For more information, visit their website, or follow them on Instagram and Facebook

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Hong Kong/ Fashionista/ Style
Bring Out Your Kawaii: Japanese-Style Fashion Shops in Hong Kong
Amiel Sol 3 Photo by banananaxx/Website

When it comes to fashion, Hong Kong features a dynamic blend of East and West, making it the ideal place to explore stylish influences from around the world — including Japan

Whether you’re drawn to minimalist streetwear or Harajuku’s bold and eclectic style, you’ll discover that the city is packed with trendy boutiques that bring Japan’s unique style and aesthetics to life. And we’re not just talking about overseas Japanese retailers but also local shops that have adopted Japanese styles in their collections. From well-known casualwear brands to hidden gems, here are some of the best places to find Japanese fashion in Hong Kong

Banananaxx

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This original Hong Kong brand features a blend of Kawaii and Lolita fashion styles in their pieces from their tiered long skirts, ruffled tops with flat rounded collars and lace, knitted sweaters in pastel shades, and plaid dresses laced with ribbons. 

Established in 2013, Banananaxx sells adorable accessories like character embroidered socks, bucket hats, and quilted tote bags perfect for a day out in the city. Their clothes embody a lot of earth tones so they make simple yet stylish everyday outfits. Not to mention they’re made from comfortable materials and are affordable! One of our favorite items is their skirts which are stitched with a buttoned garter on the inside hem, making it easy to adjust around your waistline. 

There are several branches across Kowloon and the New Territories. You can find a shop near you here or shop online on their official website

Location: Banananaxx, Shop M2-117, 1/F, Kai Tak Retail Centre 2, Kai Tak Sports Park (Flagship Store)

Operation Hours: 11 AM to 9:30 PM (till 10 PM Friday and Saturdays)

TORIO store

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If you’re looking for budget-friendly pieces, this is the store for you. Come visit one of their physical stores and browse through racks of Japanese-style pieces from denim overalls, lace and sheer tops, ruffled skirts, and frilled vests. Their Mira Place shop in Tsim Sha Tsui often has clearance sales, so you can hit the jackpot with a cute top or jacket for as low as HK$199

The store also houses some kawaii items like plush toys, tote bags, stationery, and jewelry designed with pop culture icons like Sanrio characters, Mofusand, and Love Cat Club.  

Location: TORIO store, Shop 205-207, 2/F, T.O.P This is our place, 700 Nathan Road, Mong Kok 852

Operation Hours: 12 PM to 10 PM 

SNIDEL

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“Streetwear meets formal” is what SNIDEL is all about, so you can find here both casual and elegant pieces that can transition from a day in the office into a night out drinking with friends. Established in 2005 and designed by Asami Kusugami, the first store was located on Cat Street in Harajuku and has since become one of the fastest-growing Japanese street fashion brands today. 

SNIDEL offers popular Japanese women's clothing inspired by contemporary Western street fashion with collections ranging from comfy pullover sweaters and knit dresses to tulle skirts and ruffled and ribboned tops. It’s cute, elegant, and stylish. Unlike the previous brands, however, this store is a bit pricier, but the quality is top-notch and definitely worth every penny. For the chic city ladies, a few SNIDEL pieces are a must-have in your wardrobes!

You can drop by some of their branches around the city or shop at USAGI online.

Location: SNIDEL, Harbour City LCX, 5 Canton Road, Shop 38-39, Level 3, LCX, Ocean Terminal, Harbour City

Operation Hours: 10 AM to 10 PM

ROJITA

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If you want to go full-on Lolita, whether that’s sweet, dark, or the classic kind, then ROJITA has what you need! A popular Japanese brand, this store features Japanese sweet-style fashion pieces from frilled skirts and knitted cardigans to lace tops with ribbons and cape dresses.  

They have pieces that border on cosplay fashion, are very detailed, and capture the essence of Victorian and Rococo fashion with a Japanese twist, of course! They also sell a variety of accessories like bejeweled berets, brooches, ribbon hair clips, and chunky loafers complete with charms and pearl chains. 

ROJITA doesn’t have its own store in Hong Kong but they have a stall inside the first-ever “THE SHIBUYA109 STORE” in the country located at Windsor Mall in Causeway Bay. 

Location: Shop G18-G19, THE SHIBUYA109 STORE, 311 Gloucester Road, Causeway Bay

Operation Hours: 10 AM to 10 PM

bread n butter

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This Hong Kong retail store focuses on simple styling, quoting that “being fashionable isn't about wearing loud or trendy clothes. It's about having a style n attitude towards life that simply reflect design n fashion.”

It embodies minimalist fashion, which emphasizes clean lines and simple silhouettes. However, bread n butter also features outfits with bright colors, textured fabrics, and cute designs that definitely give off that Japanese kawaii fashion vibes. 

You can shop in several branches across the islands or shop online here

Location: bread n butter, Shop 347, 3/F, Sogo Department Store, 555 Hennessy Road, Causeway Bay

Operation Hours: 10 AM to 10 PM

Lowrys Farm

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This fashion brand is part of Adastria Co., Ltd., which is the company behind popular Japanese brands like Niko and…, JEANASiS, HEATHER, and GLOBAL WORK. Lowrys Farm has been around since 1992 and was brought into Hong Kong in 2003, which was its first overseas store. 

Lowrys Farm provides Japanese women's fashion pieces that are perfect for casual wear. They also feature some of the trendiest pieces out there. Their stores are always updated with seasonal collections and limited items, but are made from materials that can be worn for a long time and are sure to be wardrobe staples. 

They have several locations around the city but you can also shop online. ICYDK, they have an online outlet sale where you can score fantastic clearance discounts and shop for limited-stock items within all brands under the Adastria fashion group.  

Location: Lowrys Farm, Shop 105, 107 & 108A, Level 1, MOKO, Mong Kok, Kowloon

Operation Hours: 11 AM to 10 PM

GU

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This crowd-favorite Japanese retailer is known for its Japanese-influenced fashion pieces that are not only trendy and durable, but extremely budget-friendly! Operated under its parent company, Uniqlo, GU features a range of everyday wear for both men and women, as well as for teens and kids. They sell a variety of products ranging from shirts and trousers to innerwear, lounge sets, and accessories. It’s a cheaper version of its mother company but surprisingly stylish still!

If you’re a fan of the basic aesthetic such as the solid color hoodies, leggings, and graphic shirts, make sure to visit a GU store near you. There are around eleven stores around the city located in Kowloon and New Territories with one coming soon in Hong Kong Island. You can view the locations here or shop their products online.

Location: GU, 1-2/F, You Cheng Commercial Centre, 51 Sai Yeung Choi Street South, Mong Kok, Kowloon, Hong Kong

Operation Hours: 11 AM to 10 PM (till 11 PM every Friday, Saturday, and the day before a public holiday)

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Hong Kong/ Fashionista/ Style
Levi’s® Vintage Clothing Celebrates Bob Dylan with New Collection
Ritual 3 Photo by Levi's®Vintage Clothing

Are you a die-hard Bob Dylan fan or just a lover of classic denim?  Either way, get ready to step into the shoes — well, jeans — of a legend.

To celebrate the release of “A Complete Unknown,” the Bob Dylan biopic which hit Hong Kong cinemas on Feb. 20, 2025, Levi’s® Vintage Clothing is paying tribute to Bob Dylan with an exclusive limited-edition collection that revives some of his most iconic wardrobe staples.

Levi's
Courtesy of Levi's®Vintage Clothing

Starring Timothée Chalamet as the young folk troubadour, James Mangold’s film takes audiences back to Dylan’s early days in the West Village — armed with just his guitar, his revolutionary lyrics, and a look that would become timeless. Dylan’s signature denim is front and center in the movie, thanks to costume designer Arianne Phillips, who teamed up with Levi’s® to recreate the musician’s most memorable fits.

Timothee
Courtesy of Levi's®Vintage Clothing

“While researching costumes for the film, I noticed that Bob Dylan wore Levi’s® consistently throughout his career, both on and off stage,” Arianne shared. “I worked with Paul O’Neill at Levi’s® to help me source original Levi’s® denim and produce the bootcut 501® jeans, as well as recreate the Super Slim Levi’s® jeans that Dylan wore in ’65.”

Suede jacket
Courtesy of Levi's®Vintage Clothing

The Levi’s® Vintage Clothing x A Complete Unknown collection captures these moments in style history. The lineup includes the Levi’s® Vintage Clothing 1955 501® jeans with a bootcut insert — just like the ones Dylan personally altered — a leather “D buckle belt, and the Levi’s® Vintage Clothing Classic Suede Trucker Jacket, reminiscent of the one he wore in the early ’60s. 

Each piece comes as part of a beautifully curated box set filled with Dylan memorabilia. The 501® Jeans Box Set (HK$3999) includes a cue card from “Subterranean Homesick Blues, sheet music for “Girl from the North Country,” and a typewritten lyric. 

Meanwhile, the Suede Jacket Box Set (HK$9999) features sheet music for “A Hard Rain’s A-Gonna Fall,” a “Dig Yourself” cue card, and a movie still of Chalamet in full Dylan attire. Each jacket also has a special costume note inside the pocket, marking the outfit change and scene it appears in.

This limited-edition collection is available now at Levi’s® Harbour City. 

For more information, visit their website or follow them on Instagram and X (Formerly Twitter)

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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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