Toronto ETO hosts Hong Kong Week and “Transformative Chic – The Everlasting Cheongsam Exhibition” opening ceremony (with photos)

     The Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office (Toronto) (Toronto ETO) hosted the virtual opening ceremony of 2021 Hong Kong Week and the "Transformative Chic – The Everlasting Cheongsam Exhibition" yesterday (June 2, Toronto time).
 
     Delivering a welcome speech at the opening ceremony, the Director of the Toronto ETO, Ms Emily Mo, said that Toronto ETO was delighted to present 2021 Hong Kong Week in Canada to showcase Hong Kong's strengths, advantages and potential with emphasis on the core values and attributes of the city.
 
     "Dynamic, resilient, and transformative speak about the beauty of the cheongsam, and they are also fitting descriptions of the strengths of Hong Kong – one of the world's premier international financial business centres," Ms Mo said.
 
     The sewing techniques of the Hong Kong-style cheongsam is a United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization's Intangible Cultural Heritage, and the cheongsam has evolved over time into various forms. "In Hong Kong, the cheongsam is not only a garment for special occasions but also remains very relevant to our daily life, from business attire to school uniform," Ms Mo said.
 
     The cheongsam exhibition during 2021 Hong Kong Week looks at the history of this traditional yet fashionable garment and its cultural importance to Hong Kong. Different styles of cheongsams and relevant photos by nine Hong Kong premier designers units will be on display. "Employing a diversity of materials, technology and craftsmanship, these Hong Kong designers have brought this traditional attire into the modern age," Ms Mo explained. 
 
     As well, Ms Mo noted that Hong Kong's economy is gradually getting back on track after more than a year of battling against the epidemic. "Supported by our unique advantages under the 'one country, two systems' principle, not only are international events returning to Hong Kong with special health measures in place, exciting major developments are also coming along on various fronts for Hong Kong. These include the city’s unique role in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area as well as the country’s developments as affirmed by the National 14th Five-Year Plan," Ms Mo said.
 
     Ms Mo also introduced a series of activities to be held during the 2021 Hong Kong Week, including a webinar with the Chief Secretary for Administration, Mr Matthew Cheung Kin-chung, the launching event of the Women's International Network@ Hong Kong-Canada Business Association (Toronto Section) and a dragon boat exhibition in Vancouver.      
 
     Having regard to the epidemic situation, most of the activities will be held virtually. Details of the 2021 Hong Kong Week can be found on the event’s dedicated webpage (www.hongkongweek.ca).
 
     The "Transformative Chic: The Everlasting Cheongsam Exhibition" is jointly presented by the Toronto ETO, the Hong Kong Arts Centre and the Chinese Canadian Photographic Society of Toronto. The nine participating Hong Kong designers units are Grace Choi, Janko Lam, Kenny Li, Mary Yu, Mountain Yam, Polly Ho, Ranee Kok, Blind by JW and Cantosoul (Jasmine Cheung).
 
     The opening ceremony also featured a performance by Dance DNA, a Toronto-based dance group, where dancers performed in cheongsams designed by three Hong Kong designers participating in the exhibition.
 
     "Transformative Chic: The Everlasting Cheongsam Exhibition" will be held virtually from June 2 to July 1 and at the Pendulum Gallery in downtown Vancouver from June 2 to 18.