HONG KONG, Nov 30 (Reuters) – Pharrell Williams took to Hong Kong for his second Louis Vuitton runway outing, showcasing the label’s latest menswear designs on a runway overlooking the city’s harbor at night.

The event drew crowds to the Victoria Dockside, a waterfront promenade lining a sprawling complex of shopping malls, exhibit halls and hotels built by Adrian Cheng, the scion of one of Hong Kong’s top property developers.

The LVMH-owned (LVMH.PA) label’s star-studded event comes as post-pandemic tourist flows resume in the region, and as Hong Kong seeks to regain its luster after prolonged periods of lockdowns deflated its retail scene.

Luxury labels are flocking to Asia, and China especiallya key market for the industry, while rising inflation cools appetite for high-end fashion in the United States and Europe.

Fans gathered before the show– some on boats–angling to see celebrities like Chinese actor Dylan Wang and Hong Kong boy band Mirror, as a traditional wooden junk boat floated nearby, its sails lit up with Louis Vuitton monograms.

Ukulele players in t-shirts kicked off the show, playing music composed by Williams, American rapper Swae Lee and Puerto Rican reggaeton singer Rauw Alejandro.

Models marched down the Avenue of Stars — covered in sand — parading relaxed, tailored looks evoking sailor uniforms, breezy Hawaiian shirts and varsity jackets with prominent shell motifs.

Williams, 50, famous for pop hits “Happy” and “Blurred Lines,” generated considerable buzz with his first runway show for the label – the world’s biggest – in Paris in June, performing on the Pont Neuf with Jay-Z.

Reporting by Joyce Zhou and Farah Master; Written by Mimosa Spencer; Editing by Mark Porter

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Farah Master is a Senior Correspondent at Reuters where she focuses on health, demographics and the environment in China. She has worked for Reuters in London, Beijing and Shanghai before moving to Hong Kong in 2013. With a background spanning reporting in markets, companies, sports, political and general news, and economics, she was also part of a team named as a Pulitzer finalist in 2020 for investigative reports on the revolt of Hong Kong. Farah speaks English, Mandarin and Spanish. She has a Masters in Development Studies from the London School of Economics.

Joyce is a talented visual journalist based in Hong Kong and Greater China, driven by a profound passion for capturing historical moments and sharing stories through the medium of video. Her exceptional skills and dedication to her craft earned her the prestigious title of Reuters Video Journalist of the Year in 2019. Joyce’s work de ella revolves around documenting significant events and exploring the rich cultural tapestry of the region. Outside of her professional pursuits, she finds solace and inspiration in hiking, immersing herself in the beauty of nature. With a deep appreciation for tea, Joyce enjoys discovering its diverse flavors and delving into its rich history.



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