An Artefacts Special: Bamboo Scaffolding, Old Hong Kong

A collaborative exercise between two friends who bonded over their love for cloth, our co-founder Buzz brings creative input alongside the expertise of indie fabric merchant Maison Hellard, the ingenious brainchild of Nathan Hellard, one of our trusted linen suppliers with a distinct point of view.

 
 

“Before every striking blue-tinted glass skyscraper rises, a sturdy scaffold of bamboo often stands nearby — a reminder of a craftsmanship that once flourished in Hong Kong. This tradition, now teetering on the brink of vanishing, symbolises the skill and dedication of artisans whose work is gradually fading from view.

Though this image isn’t the most on-the-nose emblem of Hong Kong, it’s one of those quiet sights we grew up with. As the years pass, we witness fewer of these handcrafted details, and with them, a piece of our past. Like our industry, these skills are slowly being replaced, but we hold onto hope and do our best to preserve their legacy, recognising their valuable contribution to our city’s soul.”

—Penned by our co-founder, Buzz

 

Fan Ho: ’Construction', Hong Kong, 1957

Fan Ho: ’Bamboo Men', Hong Kong, 1957

 

An ode to legendary photographer Fan Ho’s photography in the 50s and 60s, transporting the audience from black-and-white imagery to full colour, like Tom Cruise's fixation on wearing only dark blue tuxedos, stems from the strong belief that dinner suits in old Hollywood photographs were dark navy instead of pitch black. We’ve embraced the creative freedom, the interpretation and reinterpretation of black & white imagery, by bringing in tinges of warm beige, greige and khaki, paired against hints of dark blue exuding an unexpected contrast and warmth, with windowpane grids lined up with symmetry.

Traditional bamboo scaffolding is a centuries-old construction technique deeply woven into Hong Kong’s urban identity and architectural history. Gridded bamboos appear as windowpanes running across the canvas, overlapping to guide the building's future structure, with khakis overshadowing the blues, symbolising the sleek future glass windows of skyscrapers. This memory-turned-poetic execution hopefully isn't the elegy of it, but a timestamp of this form of dying art a technical triumph that still trumps most modern techniques.

 
 

As a piece for fall and spring, this is a pure heavyweight linen woven at 410 grams, texturised in chunky double yarns to evoke visible tactility and introduce its casualness. Expanding our vision beyond commissioning sport jackets through our usual Bespoke and Made-to-measure services, we also envisioned it a casual form of outerwear with such an impactful pattern. A once-familiar silhouette in mostly plain but textured fabrics, the new design, as a by-order-only Artefact in the Wingman Blouson, is an unusual and refreshing take for this transeasonal weather.

 
 
 
Wingman Blouson - Bamboo Scaffolding
US$1,080.00

100% Linen

This product belongs to the Artefacts, available exclusively upon request.

An ode to legendary photographer Fan Ho’s photography in the 50s and 60s, this windowpane design reimagines the beautiful structures of bamboo scaffolding of old Hong Kong. We introduce tinges of warm beige, greige, and khaki, paired against hints of dark blue, exuding an unexpected contrast and warmth. Full article about the collaboration and inspiration here. (Will provide link to you shortly)

As a piece for fall and spring, this is a pure heavyweight linen woven at 410 grams, texturised in chunky double yarns to evoke visible tactility and introduce its casualness. Perfect to take over tailoring or other technical garments as a transeasonal piece.

Pair this with:

Pique long-sleeve polo in any colors, such as steel grey, black, or chocolate brown, and Denim shirts. For Trousers, we highly recommend Civilman Trousers, or dress trousers in deep charcoal, olive, and white/vanilla.

Also available in 6 other colors.

Delivery Time: Dispatch in 4-5 weeks

Remark: Due to the nature of this product, it is not eligible for return/exchange/refund

Size Chart

 
 
Henley Shirt - Celadon Green
US$180.00

100% Supima Cotton

A reflection of our refined approach to everyday dressing, this is our interpretation of a casual Henley, an undergarment turned casual top in modern days.

The design is anchored by a timeless collarless silhouette with a three-button placket. The neckline is finished with a reinforced piping for structure, while subtly strengthened ribbing offers gentle framing through the body without restricting movement.

Crafted from fine-gauge cotton, the fabric is executed in a specialised weaving structure to offer this perforated, porous effect. Though designed as a long sleeve for proportion and style, it remains exceptionally smooth, light, and airy.

Also available in 3 other colors

Size Chart

Dexter Trousers - White
US$425.00

85% Cotton, 8% Ramie, 7% Linen

Dexter Trousers are our alternative trousers design, featuring a flat front design with wider and straighter legs for a jazzier, slightly more funky look.

Crafted from a breathable blend of cotton, linen, and ramie, this fabric merges the softness of cotton with the airy, quick-drying nature of linen. A subtle addition of ramie merges the best of both worlds, heightening the softness of cotton yet enhancing the coolness of linen. The result is a refined, warm-weather short with minimal creasing—ideal for relaxed resort wear or off-duty style. Polished yet comfortable, it echoes the charm of classic preppy chinos while offering added ventilation for hot days. Ideal for casual, everyday wear.

Pair this with: all things tonal for a soothing palette, and contrasting elements for a more traditional look. Suitable to be worn as a standalone.

Product details:

  • Belt loops, two front slanted pockets, and two back buttoned welt pockets

  • Flat front design

  • Button fly

  • Comes with unfinished leg openings. We suggest wearing them unhemmed

Size Chart

 
Team AnthologychroniclesH1