Fashion is a creative journey that never stops. It is not just a pursuit of aesthetics but also a fusion of culture, sustainability, and technology. When a designer's inspiration meets unique materials, infinite possibilities emerge. Organized by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council, Fashion InStyle will make its grand debut on April 27, 2025, at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre. The new exhibition area, "NEXT@Fashion InStyle," features Han Chong, the founder of the renowned brand Self-Portrait, as the consultant. He will lead five Hong Kong designers in collaborating with five innovative materials, redefining the future of fashion with revolutionary material applications.
Among them, Arto Wong presents her captivating visual experiments using natural AlgaFila and Lotuxilk.
Arto Wong, founder of ARTO, specializes in knitting and sustainable fashion. For this project, she has specifically chosen to work with AlgaFila (Seaweed fiber) and Lotuxilk (Lotus silk fiber). She notes that the most appealing aspects of these natural materials are their emphasis on resource reuse and environmental sustainability. " In a world grappling with overconsumption and pollution, these fibers extracted from natural waste effectively reduce waste, allowing designers to explore more possibilities for zero-waste design."
AlgaFila, a 100% natural seaweed-based material, prioritizes protection, defense, and comfort, according to the Cobalt Fashion (Hong Kong) Holding Limited representative. Its eco-friendly production uses less water and is biodegradable, while offering superior lightness and warmth compared to wool. "The idea is to stay warm in extreme cold without bulky layers," the representative explained.
Seaweed’s rapid growth—four times faster than trees—lowers costs, making AlgaFila an affordable, non-toxic clothing material. For "NEXT@Fashion InStyle," the representative shared, "We supply samples so designers can experience the materials and design accordingly." He stressed the need for iterative experimentation to perfect the designs.
Lotuxilk, a rare and precious fiber, traditionally required painstaking manual extraction, as Milton Chan, CEO of Lotux International Holdings Co., Ltd. explained. "Historically, it was reserved for royalty and high monks’ robes," he said. To overcome the labor-intensive process, the company integrated research and AI, achieving factory machinery that’s ten times faster than manual methods.
Lotuxilk offers remarkable benefits, boasting inherent antibacterial, odor-resistant, and UV-protective properties without the need for industrial processing. "Raw materials can be stored for a year without molding, carrying the delicate fragrance of lotus flowers" He explains. With mass production now underway, the goal is to make Lotuxilk’s eco-friendly, natural, and sustainable products accessible to the public at an affordable price.
At the "NEXT@Fashion InStyle" event, designer Arto unveils a vibrant and experimental knitwear collection. Her designs center on bi-color stripes, which she describes as "visually striking, with interwoven colors creating dynamic contrast and tension." By reimagining stripes in horizontal, vertical, and diagonal arrangements, Arto crafts a layered, almost kinetic visual effect, akin to a moving artwork. She enhances this three-dimensionality with virtual weaving patterns and geometric cuts, resulting in a bold and diverse aesthetic that redefines knitwear.
Arto’s work is celebrated for its vivid use of color, and her latest collection transforms the natural tones of AlgaFila and Lotuxilk into design focal points. AlgaFila’s earthy brown, inspired by oceans and forests, pairs with blue to create a striking blue-brown stripe that evokes the harmony of natural elements. "I aim to capture the balance of nature," Arto shares. Meanwhile, Lotuxilk’s off-white and light gray hues are invigorated with vibrant orange, creating a bold contrast that highlights the material’s natural beauty while infusing it with modern flair.
Working with AlgaFila and Lotuxilk presents technical challenges compared to traditional wool, particularly in spinning and dyeing. Arto notes that designers must adapt to these materials’ unique properties to achieve a balance of aesthetics, quality, and comfort. "This is both an opportunity and a challenge in today’s fashion—merging innovative materials with traditional techniques to create sustainable, high-quality garments," she explains. Yet, she’s thrilled with the results: "Both materials mimic the texture of conventional fabrics while preserving the unique colors and natural beauty of their raw resources. Their regenerative properties don’t compromise their luxurious feel."
Both AlgaFila and Lotuxilk offer significant environmental benefits, providing eco-conscious brands and designers with versatile options. Lotuxilk excels in breathability and wrinkle resistance, while AlgaFila combines warmth with lightweight comfort, delivering practicality without sacrificing style. "These materials meet modern consumers’ demands for functionality and align with the global shift toward sustainability," Arto predicts. As technology evolves and awareness grows, she envisions AlgaFila and Lotuxilk becoming staples in fashion, sparking endless creative possibilities for a greener industry.
Arto's new plant fibers collection will be showcased from April 27 to 30, 2025, at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre, with a highlight appearance on the evening of April 28 during the NEXT@Fashion InStyle Fashion Parade.
“Fashion InStyle”