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.
This time, designer Toki Wong will share his refreshing coastal style, crafted from AlgaFila (seaweed fibers).
Local designer Toki Wong founded his brand Kowloon City Boy in 2021. He believes that fashion should not be unattainable, so he aims to create approachable, playful, and stylish clothing suitable for various occasions such as the gym or dates, enabling men of all styles and body types to embrace the authentic "Hong Kong City Boy" aesthetic he champions.
When asked about his participation in the "NEXT@Fashion InStyle" theme, Toki stated that the collection is named "Sun of the Beach," captures the vibrant energy of sunny shores. He said, " The concept comes from the feeling of heading to the beach in summer, I wanted to reflect the laid-back comfort and freshness of coastal life." This theme aligns perfectly with the oceanic material he chose—AlgaFila, both closely related to the sea. " AlgaFila was a perfect match I’ve always been passionate about sustainable design."
Toki selected AlgaFila for its ability to tackle waste and pollution at their roots. "It’s highly stable, quick-drying, and lightweight," he noted. His first impression of this material was its understated quality, which he sees as a significant advantage. "It looks similar to many traditional yarns, so it's not immediately obvious that it comes from seaweed. This texture gives me more possibilities in design."
Toki observed that many eco-friendly materials lack cost-competitiveness. "AlgaFila, however, is designer-friendly thanks to its rapid growth and climate-independent production," he said. This affordability and sustainability make it a valuable asset for designers.
The representative from Cobalt Fashion (Hong Kong) Holding Limited adds, "AlgaFila is crafted from fast-growing seaweed, eliminating deforestation needs, and it absorbs carbon dioxide 400 times more efficiently than trees." He emphasized its lightweight nature, using 40% less material than conventional fabrics per garment, minimizing environmental impact. "Abundant and easy-to-source seaweed reduces costs, boosting AlgaFila’s adoption in fashion."Yet, challenges remain. "Dyeing and processing mirror traditional fibers, but as a new material, it’s limited to basic colors and needs further refinement." He noted.
Toki valued the Hong Kong Trade Development Council’s role in connecting designers with innovative material suppliers, offering early access to new resources. He also gained immensely from consultant Han Chong’s guidance. "Self-Portrait thrives globally," Toki said. "Han assessed my collection from a buyer’s perspective, highlighting gaps and suggesting improvements. As a smaller brand, I often focus on a few key designs, but his input inspired me to diversify, creating a more well-rounded collection for buyers."
Renowned for knitwear, Toki praises AlgaFila’s blending versatility. His standout piece is the polo shirt in this new collecton. "I designed a similar one before, but materials like mesh lacked breathability," he said. "Now, using 100% AlgaFila—including a 3D starfish motif—I’m eager to test its cooling effect."
Toki's AlgaFila 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”