There’s something about art that attracts people with a proclivity for sartorial self-expression, and the guests of Art Basel Hong Kong were no exception.
From gallerists, to collectors, to artists and art lovers, there was no shortage of high-octane looks as people, a combined crowd of 86,000 over 5 days, turned up to view the cornucopia of contemporary art on display. And just as varied and expressive as the art were the outfits the strutted down the halls, from a mix of foreign and local guests. Ensembles ran the gamut from understated iterations of stealth-wealth to sleek tailoring in black, to abstract-print wonders that rivaled the paintings on the walls.
With the city opening its borders to the world, there was a current of excitement in the air, with the same sense freedom prevalent in the fashions. For every monochrome ensemble of minimalist splendor, there was an equally arresting visage in mandarin, magenta or lime.
With almost 200 galleries participating and works spread out over two large floors of the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Center, comfort was top of mind. Art patrons and enthusiasts turned out in luxe sneakers, coupled with looks layered to amazing effect, creating inventive silhouettes and proportions. Here, Vogue Philippines takes a look at the fair’s most standout ensembles.
Fit to Print
From polka dots reminiscent of Yayoi Kusama’s favorite motif, to bold painterly swirls and florals, to figurative forms with a Chagall-esque innocence, pattern was clearly a fan favorite at the show. And these unique looks prove that stellar art doesn’t just belong on museum walls.
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Photo by Feicien Feng of OF STUDIO HK
1/10Dolly Kola-Balogun of Retro Africa Gallery posing by the work of artist Viktor Ehikhamenor
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Photo by Feicien Feng of OF STUDIO HK2/10Soo Choi
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Photo by Feicien Feng of OF STUDIO HK3/10Lidwina Pluschka
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Photo by Feicien Feng of OF STUDIO HK4/10Ashley White of Almine Rech Gallery, posing by the art of Jose Lerma
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Photo by Feicien Feng of OF STUDIO HK5/10Grace
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Photo by Feicien Feng of OF STUDIO HK6/10Katie Alice Fitz Gerald of Denny Gallery, posing by the art of Amir H. Fallah
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Photo by Feicien Feng of OF STUDIO HK7/10Doris Hess
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Photo by Feicien Feng of OF STUDIO HK8/10Ji Jiaxi
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Photo by Feicien Feng of OF STUDIO HK9/10Sikey, posing by Pumpkin by Yayoi Kusama presented by Ota Fine Arts
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Photo by Feicien Feng of OF STUDIO HK10/10Isil Okcu
Back to Black
The power of black will always be irrefutable within the lexicon of fashion; its strong yet elegant hue naturally lending itself into many stylish incarnations. Witness as it presents itself the perfect foil to patterned pants, or as a ladylike statement in a dress with a sheer organza skirt, replete with pockets. It looks just as chic in a column dress layered with knits, as part of ballerina-inspired ensemble, or in supple and sexy leather, further proving its universal appeal.
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Photo by Feicien Feng of OF STUDIO HK1/8Artist Victor Ehikhamenor represented by Retro Africa Gallery
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Photo by Feicien Feng of OF STUDIO HK2/8Vivienne Ting
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Photo by Feicien Feng of OF STUDIO HK3/8Tan Thanikan
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Photo by Feicien Feng of OF STUDIO HK4/8Matthew Han
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Photo by Feicien Feng of OF STUDIO HK5/8Lusa posing by the art of Rebecca Ackroyd, represented by Peres Projects
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Photo by Feicien Feng of OF STUDIO HK6/8Su Ting
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Photo by Feicien Feng of OF STUDIO HK7/8David Mak and Oliver
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Photo by Feicien Feng of OF STUDIO HK8/8Jencil and Ivan
Noughties Chic
With nineties and noughties fashion hitting the mainstream, denim looks and monochrome ensembles that would make Gwyneth Paltrow proud have become a ubiquitous sight on the streets. Art Basel Hong Kong’s halls were of course no exception. From cutout denim dresses, to soft grunge looks, to layered ensembles with just the right amount of slouch, check out these cool looks.
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Photo by Feicien Feng of OF STUDIO HK1/8Artist David @mrstarcity White
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Photo by Feicien Feng of OF STUDIO HK2/8Eric Kit
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Photo by Feicien Feng of OF STUDIO HK3/8Lai Yu Wen
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Photo by Feicien Feng of OF STUDIO HK4/8Filmmaker Jaze Chan
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Photo by Feicien Feng of OF STUDIO HK5/8Katy Chow of Cardi Gallery
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Photo by Feicien Feng of OF STUDIO HK6/8Valentina posing by the art of Rebecca Ackroyd, represented by Peres Projects
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Photo by Feicien Feng of OF STUDIO HK7/8Noreen Brenners
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Photo by Feicien Feng of OF STUDIO HK8/8Tammy Hackman
Technicolor Dreams
Acid brights and delicious sorbet hues looked right at home amidst the many colorful pieces of 20th and 21st century art. Zesty, playful, and fresh, they’re an easy, and eye-catching way to make a statement and elevate one’s style game.
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Photo by Feicien Feng of OF STUDIO HK1/5Steph Shouksmith
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Photo by Feicien Feng of OF STUDIO HK2/5Ivy
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Photo by Feicien Feng of OF STUDIO HK3/5Mei Ng, posing by the art of David Shrigley, represented by Stephen Friedman Gallery
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Photo by Feicien Feng of OF STUDIO HK4/5Reiko Ding
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Photo by Feicien Feng of OF STUDIO HK5/5Wendy Zheng and Lee
Photographed by Feicien Feng of OF STUDIO HK, assisted by Haydn Yu.
Mariane Perez
Mariane Perez is a lifestyle journalist and designer. She is the founder of Meadow. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree from the De La Salle University where she studied applied corporate management. She eventually studied fashion design at the Fashion Institute of Technology.
- Topics:
- Art
- Art Basel Hong Kong
- exhibit
- streetstyle