SFT once again invited by HKSAR Government to create bespoke Neo-Chinese attire for Chief Executive’s wife and female principal officials in celebration of National Day

SFT was once again invited by the Government of the HKSAR to design and produce ten distinctive sets of Neo-Chinese attire for the Chief Executive’s wife, eight female bureau secretaries and the Director of the Chief Executive’s Office. Dressed in outfits meticulously created by the SFT team, they attended the flag-raising ceremony and the National Day reception celebrating the 77th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China, as well as other National Day celebrations. The collection showcased the contemporary aesthetics of Chinese culture while highlighting the successful integration of Hong Kong’s creative design excellence and technological innovation.

Led by Prof. Jin Lam, Associate Professor, a team of students and alumni innovatively incorporated AI into the design process. By analysing and referencing the dressing styles, colour preferences and styling characteristics of the Chief Executive’s wife, the female bureau secretaries and the Director of the Chief Executive’s Office, the team explored design inspirations and created unique, tailor-made garments for each individual wearer. Combining AI-generated insights with professional expertise and judgement, the team further refined and optimised the designs, enhancing efficiency while exemplifying an educational philosophy that values both technological empowerment and human-centred creativity.

The ten sets of Neo-Chinese attire blend the aesthetics of traditional Chinese garments with contemporary fashion design. Classic elements such as diagonal-front closures, Mandarin collars and traditional Chinese frog fastenings have been thoughtfully integrated into modern silhouettes and tailoring. Through meticulous craftsmanship and precise cutting techniques, the design team preserved the elegance and cultural essence of Chinese attire while highlighting the individuality and contemporary style of each individual. The collection reflects an innovative fusion of traditional culture and modern design, while underscoring Hong Kong’s distinctive strengths as an East-meets-West centre for international cultural exchange.

The project also demonstrates SFT’s success in integrating design education, technological innovation and industry practice. Ms Vicky Tsang (BA, 2023), a distinguished alumna of SFT and founder of Gnastiy.com, created bauhinia brooches using 3D printing technology. By combining advanced manufacturing techniques with a symbol of Chinese culture, the accessories added a unique fashion-tech element to the National Day outfits and showcased the entrepreneurial spirit and innovative capabilities of PolyU alumni in the field of fashion technology.

Dr Lam Tai-fai, PolyU Council Chairman, said, “PolyU is deeply honoured to once again have been invited by the HKSAR Government to design Neo-Chinese attire for the Chief Executive’s wife and female government officials in celebration of National Day. This invitation not only recognises the University’s educational achievements and professional expertise, but also represents a meaningful contribution to the preservation and promotion of Chinese culture. Our students, alumni and staff members of SFT have successfully integrated elements of Chinese culture, fashion creativity and AI to bring Chinese aesthetics to life in innovative new ways. Their work demonstrates Hong Kong young people’s deep understanding and appreciation of Chinese culture. Next year marks two important milestones for PolyU: the University’s 90th anniversary and the 70th anniversary of SFT. PolyU will continue to leverage the power of higher education to nurture fashion design talents with professional excellence, innovative thinking and a strong sense of responsibility, enabling them to tell the stories of China and Hong Kong, while contributing to national development and Hong Kong’s prosperity and stability.”

Prof. Jin Lam said, “This project has provided a valuable experiential platform that brings together cultural heritage, technological innovation and fashion creativity. By combining AI-assisted analysis with professional judgement, students were able to test, validate and refine design decisions throughout a real-world design process, thereby enhancing their professional competencies. We hope that through participating in this culturally significant project, students can deepen their understanding of national development and Chinese culture, strengthen their cultural confidence, and demonstrate the creativity and sense of cultural responsibility of the younger generation.”

As a leading hub for nurturing creative talent, SFT has long been committed to advancing fashion design, textile technology and the cultural and creative industries. This project also serves as a practical example of the School’s integration of digital technology into design education. Through exploring a Digital Co-design Education framework, the initiative aligns with the HKSAR Government’s policy direction on digital education development and offers a sustainable and innovative teaching model for nurturing future fashion design professionals.

The School will continue to advance the integration of culture, design and technology through interdisciplinary collaboration and innovative design, while promoting the innovative inheritance of outstanding traditional Chinese culture. It will also contribute to Hong Kong’s development as an East-meets-West centre for international cultural exchange and help reinforce its position as Asia’s fashion capital.

Selected media coverage:

• Ming Pao Daily News 
• Hong Kong Economic Times
• am730 
• Headline Daily
• Ta Kung Pao 
• Hong Kong Commercial Daily