Last August, Hong Kong Story Gallery and Creative Studio ZtoryTeller held a solo exhibition titled “Alone Together” by Polish artist Mateusz Kolek, and released a corresponding art book of the same name. It was warmly welcomed and attracted a wave of Hong Kong fans for the artist. Recently, HARVEY NICHOLS and ZtoryTeller collaborated on the art project “I wonder when it all began,” inviting Mateusz Kolek and his fashion designer girlfriend Pat Guzik to work together as a couple, creating a series of artistic fashion items that transform original Hong Kong-themed illustrations into wearable clothing!
HARVEY NICHOLS has opened a Pop-up store in Pacific Place, Admiralty, and Landmark, Central for this series. Coinciding with the sweet atmosphere of February, we invited this talented artist couple to share with us the process of creating this creative collaboration and their feelings about returning to Hong Kong after several years apart!
Mateusz Kolek’s works have always been known for their playful and lively psychedelic style. This time, he specially created four pieces of artwork with Hong Kong as the theme, each carrying a romantic mood. Despite having different experiences, we hope that everyone can share their stories through these artworks. It is not difficult for us to find plenty of Hong Kong elements in Mateusz’s works: bustling streets, neon lights, claw machines, and more, all of which are very close to our lives. The Hong Kong seen through the eyes of a foreign artist truly makes us feel familiar and warm.
When asked about what visual inspiration Hong Kong gives him, Mateusz didn’t hesitate to answer: “Neon lights.” He said he never tires of this unique Hong Kong skyline and still stops to take photos and be amazed every time he sees it on the streets.
He shared with us that both he and Pat enjoy taking the tram in Hong Kong and enjoying the city views from the front row. For them, although Hong Kong is small, it is full of vitality and surprises. Behind every window and every door, there is a constant source of inspiration for them.
Mateusz turning his artwork into clothing is not the first time, he said that almost half of his wardrobe is self-designed, and they often share some tops, with Pat even joking that sometimes she and Mateusz would argue over wearing the same piece, which is quite funny. As for this collaboration series, Mateusz expressed gratitude to HARVEY NICHOLS for giving them a great creative space. The designs this time revolve around the anticipation and longing for romantic dates. He and Pat first discussed the design concept together, and then each played their role, maintaining close communication throughout to ensure that Mateusz’s artwork can be transformed into the best fashion items.
When we asked each of them to choose one item from this collection that would be most suitable for the other person, they both had an immediate answer. Pat said, “This isn’t difficult because I always think of him when designing clothes, especially when considering the cut and color. If he looks good wearing it, then it’s a good design for me. If I had to choose one, I would say that the black shirt with the key pattern would be most suitable for him.” Mateusz, on the other hand, believes that if his girlfriend were to wear the pleated skirt with the goldfish pattern, she would definitely stand out among the crowd. This answer even made bystanders feel the sweetness of their relationship!
It is worth noting that Pat has always advocated for the design concept of sustainable fashion, and she tends to use zero waste techniques, using environmentally friendly, organic, or recycled materials from material selection to production. This collaborative series is also made from recycled materials. Pat shares that she works with some small factories, and each piece of clothing is highly focused on craftsmanship, making it more unique and precious compared to mass-produced garments by machines.
HARVEY NICHOLS will open a pop-up store at Pacific Place in Admiralty from now until the 20th, and at Landmark in Central from February 22nd to March 7th. The store will showcase a playful and fashionable collection of clothing and accessories created by Mateusz and Pat, including shirts, pleated skirts, dresses, scarves, socks, necklaces, and earrings. If you are someone who appreciates art and loves to dress up, why not come and personally select the perfect item to enhance your style?
【HARVEY NICHOLS X ZTORYTELLER POP-UP @ HNPP】
Date: Now until February 20th
Time: 11:00 AM to 8:00 PM
Address: Harvey Nichols, Pacific Place, Admiralty, Hong Kong (2nd floor, 88 Queensway, Hong Kong)
【HARVEY NICHOLS X ZTORYTELLER POP-UP @ HNLM】
Date: February 22, 2023 to March 7, 2023
Time: 11:00 AM to 8:00 PM
Address: Harvey Nichols, Landmark, Central, Hong Kong (15 Queen’s Road Central)
