Kenneth Chow, founder of the independent fashion label Chow Chow, has carved out a niche in the luxury fashion market through handcrafted designs that emphasize refined craftsmanship and intricate detailing. Based in London, the mid-twenties entrepreneur has been running his boutique label since 2024, primarily catering to an elite clientele with pieces ranging from HK$3,000 to nearly HK$40,000.
Chow’s aesthetic plays with geometry and linear structures, often incorporating hand-stitched crystals and pearls on dark-colored silks. His collections include a variety of items from women’s gowns and corsets to men’s cashmere sweaters. Despite his focus on luxury, Chow describes himself as not particularly interested in fashion, often wearing simple clothing and stating that he seldom purchases new garments.
Born in Canada to parents of Hong Kong and Chinese-Japanese descent, Chow spent much of his youth moving between Vancouver, Hong Kong, Japan, and mainland China. His initial exposure to fashion came during a specialized program at his Canadian high school, where design and sewing offered an escape from a challenging school environment and personal struggles with bullying and mental health.
Although his parents were initially reluctant about his career choice, hoping for him to pursue a more traditional path, Chow committed to fashion despite near academic failure. He distinguished himself in national tailoring competitions, including the 2018 Skills Canada National Competition, and was selected to represent Canada at the WorldSkills Competition, undergoing a year of full-time government-funded training.
Choosing practical experience over formal education, Chow moved to London and apprenticed with master tailors on Savile Row, known for its bespoke tailoring tradition. However, his apprenticeship was cut short amid the COVID-19 pandemic following the death of his employer. Facing a period of professional uncertainty and personal distress, Chow considered leaving fashion altogether and explored roles in film costume departments.
His trajectory shifted when British bridal fashion house Alonuko hired him as a tailor despite his lack of bridal experience. Over five years, Chow advanced to a managerial position, working long hours and refining his skills. Ultimately, he sought to establish his own label and launched Chow Chow in 2024 with a small team, continuing to engage closely with tailoring and production himself.
Chow’s debut collection, “Chapter 23,” drew inspiration from television moments from his youth, blending elements of reality and fantasy. One piece from this collection was featured on the red carpet at the 2025 Toronto International Film Festival by corporate strategist and influencer Sommyyah Awan. Most of Chow Chow’s creations are made to order, reflecting the founder’s commitment to environmental sustainability and reducing textile waste, contrasting with the fast fashion industry.
His latest collection, “Year Zero,” introduced in 2026, shifts from geometric motifs toward organic silhouettes inspired by natural textures such as shells and wings, while maintaining his signature beadwork mosaics.
Looking forward, Chow remains reserved about his future plans but is candid about the challenges of running a fashion label independently. He advises caution to aspiring entrepreneurs, emphasizing the demands and sacrifices required to build a business from the ground up.