Fashion Wire Daily Sydney May 8, 2003 - We’ve seen the pictures of Hong Kong residents’ LV-logoed face masks. There was even the bride who wore a white mask to match her wedding gown this week. But at Australian Fashion Week, this SARS-fueled trend has actually taken to the catwalk.
In a group show with four other Hong Kong designers, Dorian Ho sent models down the runway wearing beaded masks that picked up the patterns in their intricately adorned dresses. Ho said he started doing the hand-beaded masks in response to customers’ complaints that the medical necessity was ruining their ensembles. They retail for a reasonable $40 because, says Ho, “I have many designs – you’ll need different masks to go with different dresses.”
When he’s home in Hong Kong, Ho himself wears a custom-made mask, with his name studded on it in pink rhinestones.
It hasn’t been necessary during his week in Sydney of course, and Ho has been relieved that buyers haven’t shied away from his booth at The Source, the exhibition space at AFW’s harbour venue. “I have a health certificate, but no one’s asked for it. I was surprised. I was afraid no one would come to this area,” the 31-year-old said. Ho’s stall is grouped with those of four other Hong Kong designers: Spy, Pacino Wan, fait a main, and Baboon.
Not only have attendees stopped by to check out Ho’s romantic chiffon creations, patterned with beads, embroidery and sequins, but they’ve snatched them up. Kuwait’s Villa Moda placed a big order the day after his show, and at Sunday night’s Logies in Melbourne (Australia’s Emmys) several television stars will be wearing his gowns.
“We’re going after Nicole Kidman next,” Ho warns.
Certainly not a crazy idea. Ho’s dresses are often compared to those of Australian designer Collette Dinnigan, whom the Oscar winner has worn on many occasions.
This is Ho’s third time showing in Australia, and he is planning to stage his first solo show here next season. In February, he presented 12 looks at the Hong Kong Trade Development Council’s show during New York Fashion Week, and was hailed as the standout of the event.
