Originally from the Democratic Republic of Congo, Harmony “Anne-Marie” Ilunga moved to Hong Kong in 2011 as a refugee. As a model, Harmony quickly identified discrimination toward people of colour, driving her to establish ‘Harmony HK’, a refugee-curated social enterprise with one powerful mission - to improve the livelihoods of refugees and ethnic minorities in Hong Kong by celebrating diversity through fashion and music.

We speak to Harmony to learn more about her inspiring journey, how she balances career and studies and all while creating a positive impact through the work of Harmony HK.

According to Reuters¹, the global beauty and cosmetics industry is expected to be valued at more than USD 805 billion over the next four years. Yet despite these 805 billion reasons to care, the far-reaching global industry is almost entirely unregulated and consequently, beauty companies have been given unlimited latitude to openly, well, deceive consumers about what is in their products. Guest writer Jo Lorenz explores our beauty products and what to avoid in your skincare routine.

Introducing Sabrina Sikora, a globe-trotting Singapore-based photographer, model and blogger, juggling it all with two kids in tow. As a model, Sabrina worked with world-renowned brands including Harper’s Bazaar, VOGUE and Chanel. In 2004, Sabrina established her career as a professional photographer and it was in Hong Kong 2015, where ‘First Wife Studios’ studios began.

Find out more about Sabrina's style philosophy, how she balances a successful career and a family, and what drove her to make the switch from modelling to photography.

We’ve always believed in the power of collaboration. That’s why we are excited to announce our support from Levi Strauss & Co. (LS&Co.) with the confirmed grant for an exciting project that The R Collective will champion, with support from Redress, to change the way you wear and wash your clothes – all with the climate in mind! 

This funding comes after our Founder & CEO, Christina Dean joining LS&Co.’s Collaboratory fellow class of 2018. Read more about this exciting project.

Written by Jo Lorenz 

If you're anything like me, you'd happily spend your entire life in the ocean. The gentle feel of salt on your skin, the sunlight hitting the top of the water - bliss! Yet our addiction to the ocean is coming at a huge cost to our coral reefs and marine life.

Many of the popular sunscreens we are putting on our skins each day contain toxic chemicals that are vastly contributing to coral bleaching. Find out more about ocean-friendly sunscreens.

"Climate change is not merely a concern, it is an urgent crisis... Fashion’s huge carbon footprint - which accounts for 10% of global carbon impact - is an outrageous price to pay to look good and to have more and more clothes... We must reduce fashion’s environmental impact through creativity and design." 

Our Founder and CEO, Christina Dean shares her thoughts on the current Climate Crisis, why fashion deserves its place on the climate change chopping board and how The R Collective is working towards reducing Fashion’s huge carbon footprint. 

Introducing Annabelle Baker, General Manager and Director of LUSH Greater China, Elisa Harca, CEO of Red Ant Asia and Sharon Tsang, COO of The R Collective.  

Meet these incredible women from The R Collective community that inspire us and discover their stylish work looks. From ultra-chic office dressing to the perfect balance of edgy and casual.  

The ozone layer is a delicate shield of gas which protects our planet from harmful rays from the sun. Thirty-two years ago, this very delicate eggshell around Earth was under direct threat from the over-use of manufactured chemicals. On UN's International Day for the Preservation of the Ozone Layer, Jo Lorenz explores six simple things you can do to save the planet and fight climate change.

Introducing Akiko Sakai, also known to close friends as Cookie – she is a woman of many hats. The Stylist, Model, Artist and Art Teacher is based locally in Hong Kong and plays a key role in running three businesses – an art studio in Stanley Market, a garment printing company in Wong Chuk Hang and a new bar in Kennedy Town. 

Find out more about Cookie's background, what drove her passion toward sustainability and how she sees her many roles evolving to contribute positively toward sustainable fashion.

Introducing Denise Ho, Hong Kong’s acclaimed stylist and Creative Director at The R Collective who led the creation of our latest fourteen-piece collection, ‘Start From Zero’. Denise combines her passion for sustainable fashion, ethics, and styling expertise to exemplify thoughtfulness in her designs here at The R Collective. Explore her inspirations as a stylist, view on sustainability in the fashion industry, and more about her key role that she plays at The R Collective!

Today, we're pleased to share new arrivals from our Main collection, 'Start From Zero', reducing clothing’s negative environmental footprint and transforming the industry from environmental polluter to ethical pioneer.

The fashion industry contributes to approximately 10 percent of global greenhouse gas emissions¹. Our upcycling techniques reduce fashion’s climate impact by reducing waste and by reducing pressure for virgin materials. One typical The R Collective upcycled jacket has a 60 percent reduced carbon footprint compared with a similar jacket created using virgin materials².

We're a world hooked on convenient yet catastrophic single-use plastic. Today, we produce about 300 million tonnes of plastic waste every year. That's nearly equivalent to the weight of the entire human population. We're excited to announce our partnership with Hydroplast, creators of an environmentally friendly, water-soluble packaging for our garments!