Everyday extraordinaire

The ffiXXed bag from its Spring/Summer 2014 collection takes on the concept of a recyclable plastic bag. Photo provided to China Daily

FfiXXed's staff fluctuates from 10 to 24 in the studio, depending on how busy it is. When possible, they try to employ interns. "Not many people from Hong Kong or Shenzhen want to venture out to our studio," Lau sighs.

Picken says: "We've found that interns from Australia or Europe are more confident than Hong Kong ones. They like socializing with locals while the Hong Kong ones tend to keep to themselves."

They make everything inhouse but will sometimes outsource the production to family or friends in the villages nearby.

"Grannies will knit some of our pieces at home in the winter," Lau says.

They have no minimums, which means that we can produce an order of five pieces, says Picken. "And we always deliver on time. That is very important to our Japanese customers - they don't accept any defects."

They see their work as enhanced urban basics, with silhouettes based on traditional garments that are recognizable yet fresh at the same time. Their vest made from small wooden balls in the Spring/Summer 2013 collection was inspired by reflexology sandals and massage mats used by Chinese taxi drivers. Their bag in the Spring/Summer 2014 collection is a tongue-in-cheek take on the concept of the recyclable plastic bag.

"It's our response to everyday objects," says Picken. "We don't live outside reality. Our clothes are engrained into everyday life. We reference existing objects and garments, but utilize unexpected fabrication."