HK meets NY in spectacular fashion

Models in neon prints sashayed down the catwalk as techno music played against a backdrop of Hong Kong's iconic signage, traffic lights and tunnels.

The tungsten lights dimmed after Paris Hilton arrived at her front-row seat.

The setting wasn't China, however, but the Skylight Clarkson Square venue in Manhattan's SoHo as Hong Kong designer Vivienne Tam presented her latest collection, "City of Lights", during New York Fashion Week.

Hong Kong used to be one of the world's largest garment suppliers before orders started moving to the mainland and eventually Southeast Asia and Vietnam.

Now, officials in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region are looking to raise the city's fashion game.

Financial Secretary John Tang announced that $65 million (HK$500 million) had been allocated to support local fashion designers and emerging brands in the 2016-2017 budget.

"Today we are looking at the higher-value-added fashion sectors. We are promoting our designers and high-tech materials rather than the basics," said Ralph Chow, the regional director for the Americas of Hong Kong Trade and Development Council (HKTDC).