Hong Kong’s vibrant Art Week 2025 has turned the city into a kaleidoscope of creative expression and T&C is honoured to have interviewed Hiro Yoshikawa, founder of WASHI jeans, and Inna Wegener, visionary abstract artist. The two dive into their latest collaborative masterpiece: exclusive, limited-edition collection of hand-painted WASHI paper denim jackets—with Japanese craftsmanship intersecting and contemporary artistry.
DENIM ARTIST : HIRO YOSHIKAWA, FOUNDER OF WASHI
Born and raised near the serene shores of Lake Biwa in Japan, Hiro Yoshikawa’s approach to fashion has been deeply rooted in his upbringings. Surrounded by nature, he developed a profound respect for the complex connectivity of all things—an ethos that continues to inspire his work. After years of experimentation, Hiro founded WASHI, a brand that redefines denim by incorporating Japanese paper techniques into contemporary fashion.
‘Sustainability is not just a trend but the future,’ Hiro shares. ‘We need to rethink the entire lifecycle of a garment, from sourcing materials to its eventual disposal or repurposing.’ For Hiro, fashion is more than an industry—it is a medium for his artistic expression and a platform to build more meaningful connections on the planet.
The project embraces sustainability. How do you see the role of eco-friendly practices in the art and fashion industries moving forward?
The self described ‘painter’ for denim has used this background to approach fashion from an artistic point of view, with denim becoming a canvas for expressing his creativity. Much like other artists
My core background as a denim washing designer has led me to approach fashion from an artistic point of view. I see denim as my canvas and a medium in expressing my creativity. Just like artists exploring new sustainable materials, I always look for innovative and eco-friendly ways to heighten my creations. For me, the beauty of art lies in its ability to change something ordinary into something extraordinary. And this is the essence of my project – to create beautiful, sustainable fashion that resonates with people and the planet.
What challenges did you face in working with washi paper denim as a medium, and how did you overcome them?
I began experimenting with washi paper denim around 2014, but the initial results weren’t what I envisioned—the material wasn’t comfortable and required significant refinement. Through a lot of experimentation, it finally came to life in 2023.
What drove me was my dream to innovate the world of jeans. Just like how cars evolved from combustion engines to electric vehicles, I wanted to revolutionise denim. Traditional jeans are made from cotton, but I chose paper as it gives something distinctive that couldn’t be easily replicated. This uniqueness is essential in fashion, where copying is common. My washi paper denim can only be produced in Japan, and each piece remains unique.
What do you believe is the future of sustainable art and fashion, and how do you see yourself contributing to this movement?
I envision sustainability becoming the cornerstone of both art and fashion rather than merely a trend. My contribution is creating pieces that demonstrate how traditional materials can be reimagined for contemporary expressions.
Through using denim as my canvas for years, I am now incorporating washi into denim that challenges perceptions of what fashion materials can be.
My approach goes beyond using eco-friendly materials—it is about fostering connections. I prioritise building meaningful relationships with my audience and find it important to honour the craftspeople who bring my vision to life.
How does this project fit into your goals for Art Week 2025 in Hong Kong, and what message do you want to share with everyone?
Art Week represents a beautiful intersection of my passions. My goal is to showcase how Japanese craftsmanship and artistic expression can contribute to Hong Kong’s vibrant cultural landscape. To me, Art Week is not merely about the exhibitions—it is also about cultural exchange. I want visitors to experience how sustainable materials can transcend their practical origins in becoming vessels for artistic expression.
Through this project, I hope to demonstrate that fashion is art; it is a powerful medium through which we can communicate values of sustainability, craftsmanship, and cultural heritage. My message is that innovation often comes from looking backward at traditional techniques while simultaneously imagining new possibilities.
ABSTRACT ARTIST: INNA WEGENER
Born in the vibrant landscapes of central Ukraine, Inna Wegener’s artistic journey began when she was two. ‘Painting wasn’t a conscious choice—it was something that came naturally,’ she explains. This innate connection to her craft shaped her philosophy, which centres on capturing the fluidity of reality.
Inna’s move to Hong Kong brought a new wave of inspiration, contrasting her intentionally slow, meditative process with the city’s fast-paced rhythm. ‘My work encourages people to reconnect with their inner child,’ she says, ‘to rediscover creativity, sensitivity, and wonder.’ Her use of paper as a medium mirrors life’s fragility and resilience, reflecting the delicate balance of human experience.
What is your view on creation and art ?
Art is my way of letting go—of control, of ego, of perfection. It is a form of surrender, where the journey matters more than the destination. I don’t paint to produce; I paint to experience moments of pure connection with myself and the materials. The artwork is not a final statement but a record of an intimate dialogue, a particular moment when certain emotions, thoughts, and movements turn into something visible.
How do your experiences perceive the relationship between art and conformity in society?
I started my art school training at the age of six while also enrolled in a school that focused exclusively on economics and mathematics. The duality of these two experiences had a profound impact on me, and I often felt like I missed out on my childhood due to the intense studying required by both programs. As a woman from Eastern Europe, having my own voice and independence was something very rare in the past. Pursuing my dreams was challenging due to the numerous social issues we faced.”
However, the challenges didn’t stop my creative process, they protected it. Art became my rebellion, my sanctuary, my truth in a world that often demanded conformity. I learned to hold contradictions—in being grounded and free while preserving my creative voice.
With this, moving to Asia and settling in Hong Kong was a turning point for me. The city has so much energy, speed, and ambition. In contrast, my artistic journey is slow. I take my time, sit with emotions, and observe the flow, allowing each piece to unfold by itself. In this way, my art becomes a quiet resistance to a world that moves too fast.
Could you walk us through the meaning behind your style and choice of materials?
My use of bold, bright colours is intentional. They remind us of our inner child —the part that is still curious and sensitive to the world. As adults, we find ourselves armouring more with roles and responsibilities, even possibly losing touch with that raw version of us. I wanted my art to resonate and to reconnect people with their inner child.
I love working with paper because it reminds me of delicacy and vulnerability – it mirrors life itself. Paper is fragile, like us. If you add too many layers, it can tear . To me, paper is like a human with its bodies, memories, emotions. Through using this medium, I am able to explore the tension between strength and vulnerability, creating art that reflects both the resilience and fragility that is within us all.
THE COLLISION OF TWO MINDS
WASHI Jeans x Inna Wegener began serendipitously at an art exhibition in Hong Kong. Hiro reached out to Inna with an idea for a project and the two bonded over shared values on sustainability and artistic innovation.
When asked about how the two came to a consensus and their insights from one another, Inna admits that ‘Hiro’s washi paper denim was both exciting and intimidating to work with, it requires careful preparation and experimentation, but it also pushed me to grow as an artist.’ The result is a collection that redefines wearable art, blending tradition with bold, contemporary creativity.
Hiro’s traditionally blue palette found its perfect counterpoint in Wegener’s vibrant abstractions. He enthuses ‘Collaborating with Inna brought an explosion of colours bursting onto my traditionally blue canvas. Our partnership transcended mere artistic collaboration, becoming a bridge between distinct creative spheres—I bring connections from design, while she has deep ties to the art world. When these worlds merge, something truly magical happens’.
Writer’s Notes:
Witnessing the artists’ genuine passion and excitement for their pieces was truly inspiring. Their heartfelt enthusiasm resonated deeply with me, leaving me with goosebumps. The experience of interviewing them was enlightening and powerful, transforming my views on art.
