W: Theo Thompson. I: Orson Salha & Chris Yates
As the bass rumbled through the speakers and the final models strutted down the runway, it was evident that Rickyy Wong‘s 2025 Fashion Hong Kong Show at London Fashion Week had not only impressed, but left a lasting impact on the fashion world. The room lit with bright, crisp lighting, casted a clear focus on the sharp silhouettes and intricate textures of Rickyy Wong’s designs. Behind the models, a striking, animated image appeared on the screen – sharp, squared graphics that amplified the power of the collection. As these were reflected off the denim fabrics, Wong’s designs blended cultural influence, urban energy and a thoughtful exploration of contemporary life, making his collection a true standout.
Wong, a young designer hailing from Hong Kong, has long been celebrated for his eclectic aesthetic. After completing his MA in Fashion at Paris’s renowned ENSAD and Tokyo’s Bunka University, Wong honed his craft through a diverse range of influences. His previous collections, presented on stages in Hong Kong, Paris and beyond, have become synonymous with a fusion of traditional Hong Kong tailoring and contemporary international design. Each collection tells a story; an exploration of city life, personal experience and the interplay between culture and identity.
After the show, I caught up with the designer to discuss his latest collection, his inspirations and the resurgence of Hong Kong’s fashion scene. The collection itself, aptly titled Odyssey, celebrated the energy of urban life, blending luxurious alpaca wool with zero-waste tailoring and functional, yet sophisticated, casual wear. “I’ve always been inspired by the different cities I’ve lived in and how their energy translates into the way people live. My work is about capturing those nuances, how you live in a city, how it affects you,” Wong explained, his words a reflection of the collection’s deeper meaning.
The looks themselves struck a refined balance between structured tailoring and more casual silhouettes. One could see traces of Hong Kong’s rich craft heritage in the design elements, with motifs and forms reworked into modern statements. It was evident that Wong’s creative approach was a journey; a personal ‘Odyssey’ through the evolution of life in a metropolitan space and how those experiences shape the individual.
“The collection is about more than just aesthetics,” Wong remarked thoughtfully. “It’s about the city and how it affects the person. How the stress of daily life, your career, your job impacts your state of mind. It’s a reflection of how you wear that burden, the bruises of life – not always visible, but felt deeply.” Indeed, there was something raw and personal about Wong’s latest work, as the bruises on his models’ bodies spoke volumes about the physical and emotional tolls of modern living.
This perspective, of seeing the city through the eyes of the individual, ties into Wong’s broader mission to redefine how fashion can reflect the times we live in. “I want my clothes to make people think,” he shared. “To make them consider how the city shapes them and how they can shift their perspective on their own lives.” It’s a mindset that transcends the runway, pushing boundaries and offering a nuanced commentary on the human experience.
The models, chosen with remarkable precision, walked with a rhythm that mirrored the collection’s energy. As Wong explained, the selection process wasn’t just about physical appearance. It was about the walk, the pace, the essence of the individual. “I want the models to feel like they’re just walking down the street, listening to their own music. It’s about capturing the true self, the unfiltered version,” he noted, describing his casting choices. Each model’s stride added depth to the narrative Wong crafted, making the garments not just worn, but lived in.
Wong’s return to the global stage comes at a pivotal moment for Hong Kong fashion. Since 2020, the city has faced an uphill battle, recovering from a tumultuous period marked by political unrest and the pandemic. However, with initiatives like the Fashion Hong Kong Runway at London Fashion Week, the city is reclaiming its place on the international stage. Organised by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC), the showcase demonstrated Hong Kong’s resilience and its strength as a fashion capital. The collection we saw in London was a testament to the creativity and talent flourishing in the city. As Wong noted, “It’s about showing the world that we are back and stronger than before.”
In his designs, Rickyy Wong encapsulates the spirit of this comeback. A blending of the past and the future, where tradition meets innovation. The collection’s use of original prints, knits and jacquards reflects a deep respect for Hong Kong’s design heritage, while also looking forward to the future of fashion. The HKTDC’s continued efforts to foster innovation and sustainability have ensured that Hong Kong’s fashion industry remains on the cutting edge, with young designers like Wong leading the way.
As his models walked the runway, each piece seemed to speak not just to the runway’s audience, but to a larger cultural moment. A moment where fashion can both reflect and shape our understanding of the world. With his distinct voice and perspective, Rickyy Wong is undoubtedly a designer to watch as Hong Kong’s fashion scene continues to thrive and evolve on the global stage.
For those who witnessed his show at London Fashion Week 2025, it was clear: Rickyy Wong is not just designing clothes. He is shaping a narrative, creating garments that transcend fabric and thread to become powerful expressions of identity and culture.
