Hong Kong protest stories that dominated the fashion and luxury industry in 2019

From the retail apocalypse to China’s ban on the export of black clothing to Hong Kong, six months of anti-government protests have had a big impact on fashion

These reports break down what’s happened to fashion and luxury, and reveal winners as well as losers

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During the protests in Hong Kong, the colour of what you wore took on great meaning. Here protesters wear their trademark all-black outfits. Photo: Winson Wong

Published: 12:18pm, 23 Dec 2019Updated: 2:00pm, 23 Dec 2019

The last six months have been very difficult for Hong Kong. A series of protests against a now-withdrawn extradition bill that started in June escalated into violent episodes across the city, affecting its economy and greatly impacting industries such as retailing and hospitality.

Fashion has not been immune to the impact of the turmoil. From a ban on black clothing imports to Hong Kong imposed by China (protesters have been wearing all-black outfits on the street) to the retail apocalypse that Hong Kong experienced when the protests turned more violent and frequent, our reporting explored how the city’s fashion and luxury sector has been dealing with the fallout from the tensions. Here are eight articles that highlighted these issues.

1. Now that black is out, what to wear in Hong Kong – the many shades of political loyalties

Colours have meaning, with police detaining black-clad citizens, and pure white taking on impure implications in the city.

A Hong Kong protest T-shirt reading ‘Say no to Curry Lamb’ by Singaporean designer Claude Stargen. Merchandise in support of protesters has been turned out by enterprising Hongkongers since the protests began in June.

2. Hong Kong protest merchandise: tees, socks, badges and more, from clever to downright bizarre

A whole industry has sprung up around protest merchandise, capitalising on the global swell of support for the city.

Hong Kong protest stories that dominated the fashion and luxury industry in 2019

From the retail apocalypse to China’s ban on the export of black clothing to Hong Kong, six months of anti-government protests have had a big impact on fashion These reports break down what’s happened to fashion and luxury, and reveal winners as well as losers

From the retail apocalypse to China’s ban on the export of black clothing to Hong Kong, six months of anti-government protests have had a big impact on fashion

These reports break down what’s happened to fashion and luxury, and reveal winners as well as losers