Following is the speech by the Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism, Miss Rosanna Law, at the opening ceremony and the show of "VIRTUOSE: The Artistry of Couture 2025" today (November 22):
 
Mr Kevin Yeung (Chairman of the Hong Kong Fashion Designers Association), Consuls-General, distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen,
 
     Good afternoon. On behalf of the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (SAR), I would like to extend a warm welcome to all of you at the opening of "VIRTUOSE: The Artistry of Couture 2025".
      
     Couture originated in late 19th century Paris, representing the highest level of design and craftsmanship in fashion. It transforms the most exquisite fabrics into breathtaking masterpieces. Given its rich heritage and enduring influence, we have chosen a couture-themed event as the opening of our second Hong Kong Fashion Fest.
      
     Often perceived as a solemn and traditional art form, couture carries a legacy of elegance and prestige. However, today's event offers a fresh perspective, reinterpreting couture through international collaboration and youthful creativity. The upcoming fashion show will feature an exceptional lineup of visionary international designers – Caroline Hu from Hong Kong, Zhaoyi Yu from the Chinese Mainland, Tomo Koizumi from Japan, and Peet Dullaert from France. Notably, the average age of these designers is only 33, yet they have already received prestigious awards and showcased their outstanding designs on the runways of international fashion weeks. They represent a vibrant new force shaping the future of global couture.  
      
     With their exceptional craftsmanship, 40 remarkable pieces will soon be showcased against the iconic backdrop of Victoria Harbour. I'm truly excited to witness this stunning display of creativity and artistry.
      
     The excitement does not end today. In the coming days, guests can look forward to trunk shows and a fireside chat with the designers, fostering dialogue with potential couture clients and offering insights into the inspiration behind each piece.
      
     As announced in "The Chief Executive's 2025 Policy Address", the Hong Kong SAR Government will continue to advance our annual flagship event – the Hong Kong Fashion Fest – to develop Hong Kong into a fashion design hub in Asia. Building on last year's success, I am pleased to note that the Cultural and Creative Industries Development Agency has initiated and driven new crossover projects with two renowned Fashion Weeks – Paris and Milan – to jointly promote digital fashion and sustainable fashion in the second edition of the Hong Kong Fashion Fest. This achievement reaffirms our goal of promoting Hong Kong's fashion and textile design brands and enhancing Hong Kong's position as a premier destination for hosting major cultural and creative events.
      
     From today until December 7, seven flagship projects covering couture, digital fashion, denim culture, sustainability, cross-disciplinary collaboration and industry exchanges will be brilliantly showcased in Hong Kong, an East-meets-West centre for international cultural exchange.
      
     I would like to express my sincere gratitude to the Hong Kong Fashion Designers Association for organising this spectacular event, as well as to all the designers for your invaluable presence and contribution.
      
     Ladies and gentlemen, for those of you from the local community, may I also take this opportunity to encourage you to cast your vote in the 2025 Legislative Council General Election on December 7 to help build an even better Hong Kong.
      
     Now, without further ado, please enjoy the fashion show and the wonderful programmes of the Hong Kong Fashion Fest for the rest of the week. Thank you very much.

Ends/Saturday, November 22, 2025
Issued at HKT 16:05

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