Through showcasing sewing machines and clothes-making tools from different eras, we delve into their historical richness, bridging the past with the future. We reconnect the knowledge, craftsmen, and stories of our glory days, restoring the intrinsic value of clothing and fostering a ZERO WASTE CULTURE while embracing CIRCULAR FASHION.
Through showcasing sewing machines and clothes-making tools from different eras, we delve into their historical richness, bridging the past with the future. We reconnect the knowledge, craftsmen, and stories of our glory days, restoring the intrinsic value of clothing and fostering a ZERO WASTE CULTURE while embracing CIRCULAR FASHION.
Sylvia Lai obtained a bachelor's degree from Design Academy Eindhoven in the Netherlands and completed a master's degree at the Piet Zwart Institute - Willem De Kooning Academy, Rotterdam University. During her time in the Netherlands, she gained four years of experience as an interior designer. In 2013, Sylvia returned to Hong Kong and joined Alan Chan Design Company as an interior designer for approximately six years. Later on, she collaborated with Wing Fung to establish a conceptual vintage shop called "Jiksap." Jiksap serves as a platform that focuses on exploring sustainability and highlighting the local history and culture. Throughout her six years of managing Jiksap, Sylvia dedicated herself to infusing new interpretations into these old items.
Toby Crispy, The Time Tailor behind FashionClinic by T, embarked advocating upcycling to combat overconsumption in 2013 after working as design manager at French label, agnès b. Toby emphasizes preserving textile stories. She offers repair, redesign and re-experience services, curates exhibitions, and collaborates with corporate, international brands, and art institution, for various creative projects. Her participatory project, SLOW STiTCH NOMAD @ Oi!, won A’ Design award Bronze in 2024, regaining the value of clothes making.
Sylvia Lai and Toby Crispy have formed a creative and sustainable team focused on showcasing the historical value of Hong Kong's garment industry and its connection to sustainable design. Through their unique curatorial abilities, they reinterpret heritage and encourage people to appreciate the aesthetics and cultural values of different eras from a design perspective. They promote sustainable reuse by offering clothing repairs, redesigns, and re-experiencing services that highlight the stories and time embedded in garments. Their aim is to combat excessive consumption and pursue sustainable development. Collaborating with relevant organizations, they plan exhibitions that embody their values of respecting historical culture and promoting sustainability. Sylvia and Toby's team strives to create a meaningful impact by emphasizing the importance of preserving heritage while advocating for a more sustainable future.