The London College of Fashion-trained designer Kay Kwok of the brand KWK offers a look at clothing for the future. By producing genderless, experimental garments that bridge the gap between digital innovation and infinite possibility, Kwok defies stereotypes and ideas of what should be with avant-garde and forward-thinking fashion that is bold and creative. Style patrons and starlets alike that gravitate toward KWK are performers and self-explorative dressers that embrace the limitless possibilities of fashion, like Beyoncé and Björk. 3-D printed pieces and otherworldly accessories rejoice!
Björk in Kay Kwok, courtesy of Kay Kwok.
“The universe calls on us to expand our minds and consider its infinite possibilities,” the designer said. “KWK by Kay Kwok answers that call and invites wearers and witnesses to explore and reexamine the rigid structures we place on ourselves.”
In celebration of Hong Kong Art Week, Kwok shared with Whitewall a list of favorite places in the city to gain inspiration—from vibrant cultural districts with skyline views to reimagined art spaces in North Point.
WHITEWALL: What is the best spot to find inspiration in Hong Kong?
KAY KWOK: The West Kowloon Cultural District. I always find it inspiring, as it combines Hong Kong’s iconic skyline, vibrant public spaces, contemporary art exhibitions, and traditional cultural experiences all in one place. It’s a great intersection of modernity, culture, and creativity.
“I always find it inspiring”
–Kay Kwok
Courtesy of Kay Kwok.
WW: What’s the best off-the-beaten-path place to see art in Hong Kong?
KK: Tai Kwun Contemporary in Central. Although gaining more recognition lately, it’s still a relatively quieter space offering thoughtfully curated contemporary art exhibitions, often showcasing emerging and experimental artists.
“A relatively quieter space offering thoughtfully curated contemporary art exhibitions…”
–Kay Kwok
WW: What’s the best-kept secret in Hong Kong?
KK: Oi! Street Art Space in North Point. It’s housed in a revitalized historical building and hosts fascinating smaller-scale exhibitions and installations. It’s a hidden gem that’s great for those seeking a more intimate art experience.
Insider Kay Kwok’s Best of Hong Kong
1. West Kowloon Cultural District
Courtesy of West Kowloon Cultural District .
“Stretching across 40 hectares of reclaimed land, WestK is one of the largest cultural projects in the world, blending together art, education, open space, hotel, office and residential developments and retail, dining and entertainment facilities. Our vision is to create a vibrant cultural quarter for Hong Kong where the local arts scene can interact, develop and collaborate. When complete it will provide about 23 hectares of public open space with two kilometres of harbour-front promenade of 20 metres in width as well as a host of arts and cultural facilities that will produce and host world-class exhibitions, performances, and arts and cultural events. The District’s major cultural facilities, the Arts Pavilion, the Art Park, Freespace, the Hong Kong Palace Museum, M+ and the Xiqu Centre are already open and present a diverse and exciting programme of events.” via West Kowloon Cultural District
2. Tai Kwun Contemporary
Courtesy of Tai Kwun Contemporary.
“Tai Kwun Contemporary is the non-profit visual art programme of Tai Kwun. Realising five to eight exhibitions a year and curatorially driven, Tai Kwun Contemporary presents and commissions artists from Hong Kong and beyond, while offering an extensive range of public programming as well as an extensive Asia-centred Artists’ Book Library. With the aspiration to contribute to and transform the experience and understanding of contemporary art in Hong Kong, Tai Kwun Contemporary is devoted to inspiring the Hong Kong public with an inquisitive attitude and committed to offering a conducive platform for learning and experimentation.” via Tai Kwun Contemporary
3. Oi!
Courtesy of Oi!
“Oi! is an art space located in the North Point community which is popular among the public. Its name links the ideas behind it with its location: Oi! sounds similar to the address in Cantonese and conveys a call for people’s attention while providing a platform where they can realise their dreams in art. Oi! includes a historic building complex opened in 1908. It was a yacht club clubhouse that was located on the waterfront in North Point at the time. Following land reclamation work in the 1930s, the buildings were initially converted into staff quarters for the Government Supplies Department and later into a storage facility for the Antiquities and Monuments Office. After it was allocated to the Art Promotion Office for revitalisation and restoration, the red-bricked Grade II historic building complex with tile roof was renamed as Oi!, which was opened to the public in 2013.” via Oi!
