Hong Kong is not only a bustling metropolis city, there are many traditional crafts that are highly valued for their historical significance. From bespoke handmade leather shoes to Qipaos, we would like to introduce these craftsmen who continue to produce handmade goods of exceptional quality and beauty.
Bobby’s Fashions Bespoke Tailors
Bobby’s Fashions, one of Hong Kong’s leading bespoke tailors since 1952, caters to both men and women and is a specialist in custom-made suits, wedding suits, shirts, tuxedos, dresses, skirts, etc., carrying an extensive selection of fabrics including Ermenegildo Zegna, Holland & Sherry and Dormeuil.
As Nick and Bobby Daswani, the third-generation brothers running the family business, put it, “Our long experience has only perfected our craft.” Whilst Bobby’s Fashions’ flagship store is located in Hong Kong, their reputable bespoke craftsmanship has been recognized around the world. The USA Olympics Basketball Team, Jackie Chan, Kobe Bryant and Mark Cuban were among those who enjoyed Bobby’s Fashions’ top-notch care and services.
Unlike fast fashion, at Bobby’s Fashions, each garment is handcrafted in-house by master Shanghainese tailors to the client’s exact style and specification and is fully customisable. Your unique identity can be expressed through your own choice of every single detail ranging from fabric, usage of threads and buttons, collar design, pocket size and position, canvass, vents, and more.
It is not uncommon that time is not on your side when you need a bespoke garment for an important event. Don’t worry – Bobby’s Fashions’ highly experienced and professional consultants, master cutters and tailors stand ready to provide outstanding tailoring in three to five days. What’s more, Bobby’s Fashions offers complimentary alterations to all garments for one year after delivery.
Just dream big and tell Bobby’s Fashions what’s in your mind and their professional team will make your dream garments from scratch for you!
Shoe Artistry
Shoe Artistry was founded in 2012 with the mission to revive a 40-year-old handmade leather shoe label in Hong Kong and preserve the dying trade of shoemaking. 10 years ago, Jeff and Kit walked into a bespoke handmade leather shoe shop, Ming Kee shoe 明記, located in Jordan, Hong Kong. The owner had wanted to close down the business as the rent was to increase by at least 3 folds. Within a day of discussions, the couple left their corporate jobs and took over the business, inheriting everything including re-hiring their shoemakers. The entire business model was reinvented and given a new identity. This was the birth of the Shoe Artistry brand. With the integration of 3D Feet Scanner and 3D Phits Customize Insole, Shoe Artistry became the first in Asia to provide the service of taking feet data and analysis to create a 3D printed customized insole that fits the handmade leather shoes perfectly, providing not just the craft of bespoke made-to-order footwear, but also customization with focus on feet wellness. Shoe Artistry also became the first in Hong Kong to introduce shoemaking workshops for beginners, re-creating techniques that cater to hobbyists so that the costs can be kept low.
Today, Shoe Artistry has expanded into new Asian markets, with retail services in Hong Kong and Singapore.
Mee Wah Qipao
Nestled amidst the hustle and bustle of Sheung Wan, Mee Wah Qipao is the oldest bespoke cheongsam shop in Hong Kong where boasts a hundred years of expertise in crafting authentic qipao dresses. The label was founded by the Kan family in the 1920s, which has survived through the tide of time and run by two generations already. From the moment you step inside the shop, you’ll be dazzled by a stunning collection of silk rolls and samples of dresses they made, including playful prints, classic florals and minimalistic solid-coloured designs with delicate buttons. From taking measurements, to jotting down every single detail of body curves and cutting the fabric for the first draft, everything is made by hand from start to finish here. According to the owner, the whole process requires at least three to four days to achieve the qipao dress of your dreams.
Mahjong tile carving
Mahjong has long been a favourite pastime amongst locals, and is often played at family gatherings during Chinese New Year and weddings. Today, the game is evolving with electronic tables and magnetic tiles, with very few artisans left in Hong Kong to preserve and revive the dying art of hand-carved mahjong tiles. Uncle King from Biu Kee Mahjong and Sister Mei from Kam Fat Mahjong (who is also known as the only female carver in Hong Kong) are two of the last standing mahjong carving professionals in the city, whose tiles are recognised for their intricate, high-quality details.
Pay a visit to their shops to embrace the history of this traditional Chinese game and get your hands on an authentic, beautiful set of tiles. Uncle King also collaborates with local NGOs regularly to host workshops for people to learn how to carve their own mahjong tiles.
