SPARKLE by Karen Chan – Modern Cheongsam

Apart from being the successor of the homeware company German Pool, Karen Chan, as a designer, launched a cheongsam collection through which she aims to preserve this intangible cultural heritage by adding a western twist.

• The fashion industry has officially welcomed the digital age. How do you feel about different brands experimenting with the phygital format?

  We are also digitalising our production process. While all of our cheongsams are digitally printed with our original designs, we also make use of placement prints that can be easily altered according to our customers' preferences and body shapes. Indeed, we launched this collection two years ago with the belief that traditions and technology can be integrated together. Also, we are deeply honoured to have been invited to exhibit at the China National Silk Museum, Hangzhou. I have also founded the Hong Kong O2O E-commerce Federation (HKOEF) in support of the phygital transition. I think it is definitely the way to go.

• How do you think independent brands or young designers should prepare for the phygital transition in fashion?

  The market is changing so fast that we have to seize diverse opportunities to adapt to the changes. This year’s CENTRESTAGE, organised by the HKTDC, is the first-ever virtual fashion show in Hong Kong. Young designers should definitely participate in more events similar to this, and put more effort in exploring the online market, which is a particularly important digital marketing platform.

• How would you describe the style of your brand?

  East-meets-West. All our collections are Hong Kong-themed. By collaborating with designers from different fields, such as interior designers and architects, patterns on cabinets embellished with crystals are transformed into new digital prints on our cheongsams. With a modern twist to the silhouette of traditional cheongsams, we target not only to create fashion items, but also revitalise and thus preserve our cultural heritage.

• What is the meaning behind the brand name THE SPARKLE COLLECTION?

  While “Sparkle” represents shimmering sparks, it is also an acronym for “Sparkle, Partnership, Authenticity, Revolutionary, Kaleidoscope, Limited and Exclusive,” — which celebrates many talented craftsmen and intangible cultural inheritors whom we collaborate with to create original prints and sparkling elements for our designs. Apart from cheongsams, my brand also features jewellery and furniture as a way to celebrate all sorts of talents in Hong Kong, with a wide range of products and crossover collaborations.

• What sparked your passion in cheongsams?

  I have always loved designing. I wore my first cheongsam when I got married, and it was the same piece my mother wore for her wedding. The second time I wore a cheongsam was when I received the Women Entrepreneurs Award. I wanted to pick a unique and iconic piece, so I decided to design my own cheongsam. The positive feedback I’ve received and the amazing designers I’ve encountered have encouraged me to pursue a career in fashion.

• What are your plans for the future?

  I hope to be an ambassador for Hong Kong’s design scene. I think the traditional beauty of Asian women can be well-presented by cheongsams, particularly the ones worn by Hongkongers in the past, which are often adorned with floral motifs—they are much like pieces of wearable artwork. East-meets-west is the essence of Hong Kong culture, and I hope that the world gets to learn more about our unique culture out of our designs.