[News from Institutions] Hong Kong Design Institute Presents
Kwan Kwa: Chinese Wedding Costume Reimagined Exhibition
Intangible Cultural Heritage Meets Modern Innovation in an Immersive Exploration of Hong Kong’s Bridal Culture

The Hong Kong Design Institute (HKDI) is delighted to present a new exhibition called “Kwan Kwa: Chinese Wedding Costume Reimagined” appearing at its Fashion Archive from today to 30 November 2026.

Organised by the HKDI, with the support of the Intangible Cultural Heritage Funding Scheme, a dedicated training programme in authentic Kwan Kwa embroidery and garment-making skills was delivered by Kwan Kwa masters to 60 local students from HKDI, VTC Youth College and Youth College International, the Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts, Saint Francis University Hong Kong, and the Hong Kong Polytechnic University, from late 2025 to early 2026. To share the students' outstanding designs and raise public awareness of this living heritage, the HKDI Atelier, a centre of excellence at HKDI, is organising an extended exhibition to celebrate the iconic traditional Chinese wedding costume and its vibrant culture. Through a curated presentation of exquisite artefacts, historical pieces, and contemporary reinterpretations, the exhibition highlights the intricate craftsmanship, symbolic motifs, and enduring cultural significance of the Kwan Kwa across generations.

An Immersive Journey Through the Past and Present of Kwan Kwa
Spanning six dedicated zones, the exhibition offers a comprehensive look at the historical evolution and contemporary interpretation of Kwan Kwa. Visitors will embark on a multi-sensory journey through time—experiencing symbolic dragon and phoenix motifs, the intricate craftsmanship of traditional embroidery, warm wedding blessings, and the aroma of traditional Chinese bridal cakes—immersing themselves in the rich culture and artistry of Kwan Kwa craftsmanship. 

The exhibition brings together the HKDI Fashion Archive’s prized collection of traditional Kwan Kwa, categorised into the five classic tiers: “King of Kwan Kwa, The Queen of Kwan Kwa, Big Five Fortune, Middle Five Fortune, and Small Five Fortune”. The exhibition traces a century of history, detailing how the Kwan Kwa evolved from the everyday attire of the gentry and officials into ceremonial bridal wear. Rare accessories, tools, and historical records loaned by master craftsmen are also on display, providing an in-depth look at traditional techniques, including gold thread couching and padded embroidery.

Bridging heritage with modern design, HKDI invited five renowned fashion design alumni— CHOI Hung Shing, Wilson, CHUNG Ka Ching, Tiger, CHUNG Tsz Ho, Tiger, LAM Kin Yan, Kinyan, and WONG Lai Yu, Gim—to create original Kwan Kwa pieces that reinterpret this timeless elegance for a modern audience. Additionally, the exhibition showcases innovative works from a recent Kwan Kwa masterclass, where HKDI students used artificial intelligence (AI) to generate traditionally inspired patterns. These designs were printed onto fabric and hand-embroidered using classic gold thread couching and padded embroidery, perfectly illustrating the fusion of heritage craft and cutting-edge technology. 

This curated presentation is made possible through the generous support of Mr Bon HO, Brother International (HK) Limited, Mr WONG Kwok Hing, Kee Wah Bakery, and United Pattern Design, who kindly loaned the exhibits and sponsored the souvenirs for this exhibition.

To engage the public, the exhibition features traditional wedding decorations alongside an interactive AI photo booth, where visitors can virtually try on different Kwan Kwa styles or pose against an LED magazine-style backdrop.

Rooted in Community, Nurturing New Heritage
As an important element of Hong Kong’s Intangible Cultural Heritage, Kwan Kwa craftsmanship is being preserved and revitalised through the creativity of the younger generation. To bring this traditional craft into the community, selected exhibits will also be displayed at the Tiu Keng Leng Public Library for two weeks starting from 11 June 2026. 

Dr Elita LAM, Principal of the HKDI, said: "Through this exhibition, we hope students will not only experience Chinese Kwan Kwa as an important element of our intangible cultural heritage, but also breathe new life into it using modern tools like AI and thanks to their creativity. By encouraging the younger generation to engage with traditional craftsmanship in innovative ways, we hope to strengthen their cultural awareness and creative thinking, ensuring that the artistry of Hong Kong’s Kwan Kwa continues to be preserved and passed on to future generations.”
 

 

Travelling exhibition:

Exhibition Date:	11 June 2026 to 24 June 2026
Opening Hours:	Mondays to Wednesdays, Fridays to Saturdays:  9:00 am – 8:00 pm Thursdays:  12:00 pm – 8:00 pm Sundays & Public Holidays:  9:00 am – 5:00 pm
Address:	Tiu Keng Leng Public Library, 4 Chui Ling Road Tseung Kwan O, New Territories

About Hong Kong Design Institute 
Hong Kong Design Institute (HKDI) is a member of VTC Group. HKDI was established in 2007 with the mission to be a leading provider of design education and lifelong learning, including architecture, interior and product design, communication design, digital media and fashion and image design. With a view to providing professional designers for the creative industries, it promotes the “think and do” approach and encourages interdisciplinary synergy in its broad range of design programmes that cultivate students’ cultural sensitivities and sense of sustainability. HKDI maintains a strong network with industry and provides its students with essential practical experience. Overseas exchanges are actively arranged for students to broaden their horizon and international perspective.
Website: http://www.hkdi.edu.hk

About HKDI Atelier
HKDI Atelier is a centre of excellence at the Hong Kong Design Institute (HKDI), a member institution of Hong Kong’s Vocational Training Council. HKDI Atelier fosters close collaboration among industry, academia, and research. Through feature projects, HKDI’s designers, creators, and researchers bring together innovation, aesthetics, craft, culture, as well as technology to augment Hong Kong’s standards in craftsmanship and applied research in design. It endeavours to set professional benchmarks of design locally, in the Greater Bay Area, as well as nationally and internationally.

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