Following is the speech by the Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism, Miss Rosanna Law, at the Opening Ceremony and Show of "VIRTUOSE: The Artistry of Couture 2026" today (September 1):

Mr Kevin Yeung (Chairman of the Hong Kong Fashion Designers Association), Consuls-General, distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen,

     Good afternoon. I am truly happy to be with you today to open the Hong Kong Fashion Fest 2026, and to launch its crown jewel - "VIRTUOSE: The Artistry of Couture 2026", so brilliantly curated by the Hong Kong Fashion Designers Association. To our distinguished guests joining us from far and near - a very warm and heartfelt welcome to Hong Kong.

     Today's Festival is the creative engine of our city's cultural ambition. Spearheaded by the Cultural and Creative Industries Development Agency under the Culture, Sports and Tourism Bureau, and brought to life by six major industry organisations, Hong Kong Fashion Fest underscores our unwavering commitment to forging Hong Kong as Asia's premier fashion design capital. From dynamic runway programmes and international creative exchanges to pop-up retail experiences and private trunk shows, we are not only showcasing and nurturing design talent, we are unlocking new market frontiers and cementing Hong Kong's status as a world-class cultural and creative hub.

     This year's theme, "Rhythm of the Heart", positions Hong Kong as the very pulse of Asia's fashion industry. The word "Rhythm" captures our city's unique energy - a place where creative brilliance and innovation generate unstoppable momentum. It is in here that designers and industry practitioners pour their soul into every stitch. And Hong Kong channels this creative energy across every link of the fashion value chain - from the first spark of design concept, through material sourcing and precision tailoring, to fashion photography and the final runway reveal. This is how we reinforce our standing as one of Asia's leading hubs for fashion design and retail.

     We are delighted to see VIRTUOSE return as the opening showpiece of this year's Fashion Fest. Last year, we gathered in Central against the breathtaking backdrop of Victoria Harbour. This year, the runway has journeyed across water to the vibrant heart of West Kowloon Cultural District - a place where history, culture and art naturally converge. Within these very walls, and among treasures that tell stories of dynasties past, tonight's couture will tell stories skillfully crafted by hand. There could be no stage more fitting for this evening's celebration than Hong Kong Palace Museum.

     Fashion is a living, breathing medium of culture, heritage, and artistic storytelling. And couture, at its essence, represents the ultimate expression of bespoke artistry and visionary craftsmanship. VIRTUOSE 2026 brings together four extraordinary designers from Spain, Vietnam, and Hong Kong. Deeply rooted in their respective cultural traditions, these inspiring couturiers will weave a cross-cultural dialogue between East and West, transforming ideas and fabrics into intricate, breathtaking masterpieces, right here on this runway.

     I would like to express my deep and heartfelt gratitude to the Hong Kong Fashion Designers Association, our remarkably talented designers, and all the industry organisations, participants and supporters who have contributed to this spectacular two-week programme of events. Your passion and dedication have made Hong Kong Fashion Fest 2026 possible.

     Now, please join me in celebrating the dynamic pulse of the "Rhythm of the Heart" and savour the brilliance of VIRTUOSE 2026. Thank you very much.

Ends/Tuesday, September 1, 2026
Issued at HKT 17:45

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