Uniquely Hong Kong - Handmade Fashion Accessories

First published in Elysiants on 28 November 2011.

I do go on Etsy in search for some uniquely handmade designs. But sometimes the stuff you like can be all the way over on the other side of the world, and waiting for your package to come can turn out to be a frustrating experience. Why don't we look closer to home and see what beautiful one-of-a-kind craft the Hong Kongers have to offer?

1. Bez and Oho

Annalisa started this project, Bez & Oho, to make colourful bags, wallets, and copper enamel jewelry. Their products are made with locally available materials as well as creating some much needed employment for our society's minority. Annalisa also holds copper enamel jewelry classes both at her own studio in Kwun Tong, as well as at the Random Art Workshop. Grab a few friends and enjoy a fun day of jewelry making!


2. Uuendy Lau

Wendy's brand carries fashionable accessories with a twist. Remember the toy soldiers you played with when you were young? Now you can get them as a necklace at her Green Soldier Collection! All her products include a bit of a shock factor to the normal jewelry, and the Double U in her brand is a rather amusing local factor, reflecting how Hong Kongers read the alphabet W.

3. Dawn Chan

The first time I saw Dawn's bags and clutches, I knew I was in love. Her bags are elegant and sleek, which is pretty much everything I could ask for. She has a diverse range of experience in the fashion industry around the world, and she designed and handmade all the bags on her own, so you can be sure what you are holding is a piece made with tender loving care.

4. Coucou Bébé

Claudia and Jessie always have their fancy professional cameras with them, so when I saw Coucou Bébé's camera bags, camera straps, and mini air blowers, I immediately thought of them. They are usually photographed with their cameras on (by other cameras, obviously), so the straps on their cameras would come up more often than any of their necklaces, bags, or outfits. Having a beautiful camera strap on will make a huge part of their look, as well as being there for the functional purpose at the same time.

5. Chic Infinity

Virginia offers some amazing pearls and mesh jewelry, which give a chic look to a boring outfit. Like Dawn's bags, each piece of Virginia's jewelry is designed and lovingly handmade by herself with quality materials. She started off making jewelry for herself and her friends, but since it had been such a hit she started to sell her designs. Now aren't we lucky?