If a renaissance is gaining ground in Hong Kong’s textile sector, its origins could probably be traced to The Mills, which opened last year on the site of the former Nam Fung Cotton Mills. 

From its previous incarnation as a flourishing textile factory, The Mills has since been transformed into a vibrant ecosystem aimed at promoting the textile sector in Hong Kong, with nurturing young talent as one of its main focuses.

The Mills comprise three pillars – The Mills Fabrica, The Mills Shopfloor and the Centre for Heritage, Arts and Textile (CHAT). The Mills Fabrica was established to promote “techstyle” businesses, which operate at the intersection of technology and fashion. It also serves as an incubator for promising start-ups and as a co-working space for Hong Kong’s techstyle community. 

During a Chamber visit to The Mills on 6 November, Carine Pin, Co-Director of The Mills Fabrica, provided an overview of Fabrica’s mission and purpose. Members also had the opportunity to meet some tenants, including Unspun, a start-up that uses 3D printing technology to create eco-friendly tailor-made jeans. Members also met representatives from Orii, which invented the world’s first wireless audio device that can be worn on the finger like a ring. 

Members then enjoyed a guided tour of The Mills Shopfloor, a home for hands-on learning and experiential retail, and CHAT, an art centre with exhibitions on the legacy of Hong Kong’s textile industry and co-learning programmes that span the arts, design, science, heritage, community and craftmanship.