Hong Kong Fashion Fest 2025 Launches VIRTUOSE Showcasing Emerging Haute Couture Designers

Hong Kong Fashion Fest kicks off its second edition today

Presented by the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, spearheaded and sponsored by the Cultural and Creative Industries Development Agency (CCIDA) under the Culture, Sports and Tourism Bureau (CSTB), the second edition of Hong Kong Fashion Fest opened today (November 22) with the launch programme "VIRTUOSE: The Artistry of Couture 2025" (VIRTUOSE) held at Central Pier No. 4.

Organised by the Hong Kong Fashion Designers Association (HKFDA), VIRTUOSE aims to highlight the different facets of craftsmanship through an haute couture runway and showcase programme, inviting emerging local, Mainland and overseas haute couture designers to use Hong Kong as a stage for the international fashion community.

Speaking at the ceremony, the Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism, Miss Rosanna Law, said that couture represents the highest level of design and craftsmanship in fashion, transforming the most exquisite fabrics into breathtaking masterpieces. Given its rich heritage and enduring influence, CCIDA has chosen couture as the theme for the opening of the second edition of the Hong Kong Fashion Fest.

The runway brings together four new-generation couture designers, namely, Peet Dullaert, Tomo Koizumi, Zhaoyi Yu and Caroline Hu, whose forty looks are presented on the dazzling stage set against the Victoria Harbour. Their outstanding works have shone at international fashion weeks; through global collaborations and their own creative talent, they are shaping the future of couture worldwide. The four designers will also host time-limited trunk shows and fireside chats, engaging industry professionals in in-depth discussions and sharing their creative journeys as well as the insight into future trends and development of couture.

Highlights of the runway show will be available for replay on the official social media channels of Hong Kong Fashion Fest, the HKFDA and VIRTUOSE. For more information on Hong Kong Fashion Fest, please visit www.hongkongfashionfest.com.

Hong Kong Fashion Fest kicks off its second edition today Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

Hong Kong Fashion Fest kicks off its second edition today Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

Hong Kong Fashion Fest kicks off its second edition today Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

Hong Kong Fashion Fest kicks off its second edition today Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

Re-launch of Reporting Scheme for Unauthorised Building Works in New Territories Exempted Houses

Following the direction of earlier proposals, the Buildings Department (BD) announced today (April 1) the re-launch of the Reporting Scheme for Unauthorised Building Works (UBWs) in New Territories Exempted Houses (NTEHs). The reporting period will last for one year from April 1, 2026 to March 31, 2027.

"In view of the history and unique circumstances of the NTEHs (commonly known as village houses), the Government launched a one-off administrative reporting scheme in 2012 as a special arrangement. Under the scheme, owners could report to the BD about UBWs that were erected before June 28, 2011, posed lower risks or constituted less serious contravention of the law. The reporting period ended in December 2012. The Development Bureau (DEVB) put forward proposals to amend the Buildings Ordinance in December 2024, which included rationalising the policy for handling UBWs. The DEVB also pointed out that in response to the views of villagers and Legislative Council members that the reporting period was too short, the Government prepared to re-launch the Reporting Scheme to allow owners who at that time did not report their UBWs to do so," a spokesman for the BD said.

Relevant stakeholders and Legislative Council members generally considered the above proposals practical and feasible, and they welcomed the proposals. The DEVB and the BD have also consulted Heung Yee Kuk on the relevant implementation arrangements.

The re-launched Reporting Scheme will maintain the original criteria, including:

(1) The types of UBWs that can be reported and their erection dates are the same as the original Reporting Scheme, meaning that only UBWs erected before June 28, 2011, posed lower risks or constituted less serious contravention of the law and were not the First Round Targets (Note) are eligible. Examples include signboards projecting from the external walls of village houses; enclosed rooftop structures with a coverage of not more than 50 per cent of the roofed-over area of the main building.

(2) Same as the original Reporting Scheme, owners are required to conduct safety inspections on the reported UBWs every five years.

"The BD will not require the immediate removal of the reported UBWs unless their structures become obviously dangerous. Regarding UBWs in village houses, the BD is prioritising the handling of First Round Targets. If any relevant UBWs remain not reported after the application deadline of March 31, 2027, the BD will, after dealing with the First Round Targets, take priority enforcement action against the non-reported UBWs. The BD will formulate enforcement strategy for the reported UBWs at a later stage in accordance with the risks and the actual situation," the spokesman added.

To enhance the efficiency of processing applications, reports must be submitted via the electronic platform on the BD's website by technically competent persons or registered professional engineers appointed by owners. In accordance with the user-pays principle, an administrative fee of $600 is payable for each application. Upon successful reports, owners must also pay the relevant administrative fee when conducting safety inspections of the reported UBWs every five years.

Details of the re-launched Reporting Scheme are available on the BD's website at https://www.bd.gov.hk/en/safety-inspection/ubw/UBW-in-new-territories-exempted-houses/index_relaunch_reporting_scheme.html; Villagers who wish to report can call 2626 1616 for enquiry. The BD will also use different channels such as distributing leaflets and posters to Rural Committees to enable villagers to know more about the re-launch of the Reporting Scheme.

Owners who had successfully participated in the Reporting Scheme in 2012 are not required to submit reports again. However, they must continue to comply with the requirements of the original Reporting Scheme, including conducting safety inspections of the reported UBWs every five years, submitting safety certificates and paying administrative fees to the BD.

Note: The First Round Targets refer to UBWs with higher potential risks and more serious nature, such as village houses of four storeys or more, and enclosed rooftop structures covering more than 50 per cent of the roofed-over area.

Source: AI-found images