HKI Knits – 50th Anniversary of the Founding of HKI Group

EVENT DESCRIPTION

Sun Museum will present a retrospective exhibition “HKI Knits – 50th Anniversary of the Founding of HKI Group”, from May 24 to August 5, 2023.

Founded in 1969, Hong Kong International Group (HKI Group) established 10 fashion brands during the 50 years leading up to 2019. With a history reflecting local textile development, culture, and fashion design, the HKI group is considered an archetype of Hong Kong enterprises breaking into the European, American, and Japanese markets with courage, perseverance, and wisdom.

HKI’s products are characterised by a blend of beauty and functionality. The embroidery of Chinese ethnic minorities delicately merges with the traditional vibrant colors of Italy, and the geometric patterns of Pop Art to create impressive patterns. They adopted novel and avant-garde ideas to create breakthroughs in cuttings, silhouettes, and designs.

In the early stage of their development, HKI’s knitted fashion has already caught the attention of the fashionistas in the West, as well as the late Queen Elizabeth II. One of their production lines, “Malina Wong”, has always been recognised as a renowned brand of Hong Kong textiles in Europe. Its collection radiates a unique connection of East and West aesthetics, with the use of imitation gemstones, sequins, crystals, beads, and embroidery.

This exhibition not only showcases iconic products from the 10 brands of HKI, some of which are precious items collected from auction markets worldwide, but also displays rare textile machinery that produced these fabulous pieces. Through this anniversary celebration, visitors will be able to appreciate a selection of HKI’s unique fashion collection as well as the perseverance and innovative spirit of Hong Kong people.