Rethinking Fashion in a Sustainable Future
Vicky Ng (vicky.ng@ust.hk)
[This is a talk in Gear Up Training Series (GUTS)*]
[This event is co-organized by HKUST Connect and the Academy of Interdisciplinary Studies]
What happens when a fashion designer begins to rethink not just what she creates, but why—and at what cost?
In this talk, Kay Wong will share her journey from founding fashion label Daydream Nation to co-founding Fashion Clinic, where she works as a “fashion surgeon,” giving clothes a second chance at life. Reflecting on the documentaries and industry realities that prompted her change of direction, Kay explores why fashion is about far more than personal style—and how it connects to environmental and social responsibility.
From repairing and redesigning treasured garments for individual customers to upcycling collaborations with brands, NGOs and theatre groups, her evolving practice reveals the creative possibilities of working with what already exists. Through these experiences, Kay invites participants to rethink their everyday consumption, discover practical ways to care for and transform their clothes, and consider how their own passions, skills and influence can help shape a more responsible future. At its heart is a simple ambition: to change design in order to design change.
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Speaker
Ms Kay Wong
Fashion Designer, Artist and Curator
Creative Director, Fashion Clinic
Kay Wong calls herself a fashion surgeon, giving clothes a second chance at life, resuscitating dead stock and preloved clothing to close the loop of the consumption cycle.
REDESIGN | RESTORE | REPAIR
Fashion Clinic specialises in redesigning and upcycling deadstock garments and materials for individuals, fashion and lifestyle brands as well as corporates, NGOs and theatre groups, creating fashion pieces, artwork, home furnishings and costumes.
Kay hopes to CHANGE DESIGN in order to DESIGN CHANGE, and close the loop of the consumption cycle. She believes in the need for CIRCULARITY and RESPONSIBILITY in fashion, to design a FUTURE WITHOUT WASTE.
Remarks:
1. To avoid interruption and hindering the progress of the session, facilitators may not admit new participants who are late for more than 10 minutes.
2.[HMAW 1905] This is a recognized event in the "Self-directed Experience" component of HMAW1905: Behavioral Foundations of University Education: Habits, Mindsets, and Wellness. To receive 1.25 hours, you must attend the event in full and miss no more than 10 mins.