Speech by SCST at kick-off ceremony of "Fashion to Reconnect: A Tale of Two Style Capitals" (English only)
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Vice President Li (Vice President for Talent and International Strategy and Chair Professor of Biomedical Engineering, Department of Mechanical Engineering, the City University of Hong Kong, Professor Li Wen-jung), Professor Ho (Dean of the College of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences of the City University of Hong Kong, Professor Alfred Ho), Consul General Ficarra (Consul General of Italy in Hong Kong and Macao, Mr Carmelo Ficarra), Mr Naldini (Director of Fondazione Pistoletto Cittadellarte and representative of Third Paradise, Mr Paolo Naldini), Ms Maino (Ambassador of Camera Nazionale della Moda Italiana (CNMI), Ms Sara Sozzani Maino), Mr Guardini (Conscious Creative Director of the Fashion to Reconnect, Mr Tiziano Guardini), distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen,
Good afternoon, and a very warm welcome to "Fashion to Reconnect: A Tale of Two Style Capitals".
It is my tremendous pleasure to join you at this special moment, where Hong Kong and Italy meet through the powerful lenses of fashion, art and sustainability.
"Fashion to Reconnect" is organised by the City University of Hong Kong, supported by the Consulate General of Italy in Hong Kong, and brought to life in partnership with Fondazione Pistoletto Cittadellarte, and Camera Nazionale della Moda Italiana, or CNMI in brief, the esteemed organiser of Milan Fashion Week. My heartfelt thanks to all our partners for making this visionary programme a reality in Hong Kong. We eagerly anticipate even closer collaborations between Hong Kong and Italy in the cultural and creative industries.
At the heart of this project is the visionary concept of the Third Paradise by Michelangelo Pistoletto - a call to rebalance artifice and nature. Hong Kong's interpretation is both ambitious and uniquely our own: six site-specific Third Paradise art installations are unfolding across five of our city's cultural landmarks. These include the Sophia Loren House in Wan Chai, Hong Kong International Airport, the main campus of the City University of Hong Kong, the Hong Kong Cultural Centre, and the Hung Hom Harbourfront Promenade. These works invite everyone to experience sustainability in familiar urban spaces, reimagined through fabrics, movement, light and storytelling.
Here at ArtisTree, the "Fashion to Reconnect" exhibition, curated by Mr Tiziano Guardini, brings together sustainable masterpieces from 16 Italian brands and artisans with the creativity of nine Hong Kong-based designers. From couture craftsmanship to circular materials, from archive footwear to experimental silhouettes, this is a journey that elevates fashion as both an artistic medium and a social fabric.
In the coming days, we will convene a symposium, a roundtable and seminars, gathering elite professionals from Italy, Hong Kong and the Greater Bay Area. These platforms are designed to exchange perspectives on sustainable fashion and cross-sector collaboration, fostering partnerships that will amplify the impact of creativity across global markets.
"Fashion to Reconnect" is a highlight of the Hong Kong Fashion Fest 2025. Sponsored by the Cultural and Creative Industries Development Agency and organised by our industry partners, the Hong Kong Fashion Fest is transforming our city into a dazzling stage for global fashion and creative dialogue from November 22 to December 7. We are proud to "bring in" global excellence, while "going out" with Hong Kong's distinctive voice.
Finally, as we look to the future, I would like to encourage all eligible voters in Hong Kong to fulfil our civic responsibility by voting in the 2025 Legislative Council General Election on December 7. Together, we can continue to build a better Hong Kong.
Before I close, I wish to congratulate "Fashion to Reconnect" on a grand opening and convey my very best wishes for "Fashion to Reconnect" a resounding success. Thank you.
Ends/Tuesday, November 25, 2025
Issued at HKT 16:40
Issued at HKT 16:40
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