Hong Kong's fashion royalty: Dee Poon
The scion of a Hong Kong fashion dynasty, Dee’s father is Dickson Poon, owner of Harvey Nichols. Her mother is Marjorie Yang, one of Hong Kong’s most prominent garment manufacturers, and her godmother is red-carpet regular Michelle Yeoh. Known for her irreverent style, Poon recently tested the waters with a pop-up fashion store in Sheung Wan, which carried some of China’s most promising designers, such as Zhao Bandi, the talent behind the controversial panda fashion series.
What characterises Hong Kong style?
Hong Kong style is extremely trend-driven. In the US, there are pockets of non-conforming conformity. I’d like to see Hong Kong develop more of its own style characteristics rather than following the trends from around the region.
What inspiration do you draw from Hong Kong?
Hong Kong is the ultimate East-meets-West city. It is dynamic, energetic, and constantly changing. I find the city and its energy to be particularly inspiring.
If you could fix one thing about the way Hongkongers dress, what would it be?
I’d like to see people thinking more about what looks good on them, rather than what looks good on the runways. I’m also so sick of people trying to look cool or edgy. But perhaps that’s their armour to the city.
Why do you think people respond to your sense of style?
I would guess they respond to my sense of style because it is mine – I look inwards for cues rather than outwards, and am thus comfortable in the way I dress. People probably respond to this comfort level.
Who are some of the designers you most admire?
Nicholas Ghesquiere for his creativity and forward-looking vision, Karl Lagerfeld for his beauty, and Rogan Gregory for his values.
Can China’s fashion designers get away from chinoiserie?
Absolutely. They already have! Zhang Da and Yao Du are doing highly contemporary work.
If you were a piece of clothing, what would you be?
A T-shirt. I love T-shirts. I would be a 100 per cent cotton, white T-shirt.
See Hong Kong's other Fashion royalty:
Juno Mak
Hilary Tsui
Dee Poon
Winifred Lai
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