Hong Kong Teddy Association

✨Background

Gloria Chan, a renowned Hong Kong teddy bear artist, was the first to introduce European teddy bear art and culture to the city. Driven by a lifelong passion for tailoring and textile arts, she founded Gloria Handicraft Studio in 1986, creating countless fabric dolls. A chance encounter with the world of bear artistry led her to Germany in 1997 to master the craft of traditional artist bears. That same year, she established the Hong Kong Teddy Bear Association (HKTBA), officially bringing the art form to Hong Kong. Gloria’s portfolio extends beyond adorable bears into the realm of fashion design. By blending traditional European bear artistry with 3D draping and garment construction, she created the "Hong Kong Fashion Bear"—a style unique to the region that has earned widespread industry acclaim. Notably, Gloria is the only person from Hong Kong to be invited as a judge for international teddy bear competitions. In addition to offering one-on-one mentorship, Gloria teaches sewing arts at local international schools, nurturing creators across all age groups. Today, the "Hong Kong Fashion Bear" is a prestigious name in the industry, with HKTBA graduates winning numerous awards on the global stage.

HKTBA Vision

Gloria Chan, the founder of the HKTBA, is more than just a pioneer of teddy bear artistry; she is a key figure in advancing handicraft and design education in Hong Kong, leaving a profound impact on the local cultural landscape. Under her leadership, the HKTBA is driven by a deep-seated passion for the art and culture of teddy bears...

Our mission includes the following

  1. Promote Teddy Bear Culture
    Teddy Bears are more than toys—they are cultural symbols, representing love, friendship, and warmth. Through the promotion of Teddy Bear culture, the Hong Kong Teddy Bear Association hopes to help more people understand the history, design, and emotional value of this art form.
    The Hong Kong Teddy Bear Association has organized “Teddy Bear Art Exhibitions” at Hong Kong International Airport and various shopping malls, inviting local Bear Artists to showcase their creations. Visitors were able to admire works that combine artistry and craftsmanship up close. To enhance the experience, themed photo zones, interactive areas, and hands‑on workshops were set up, allowing participants to better understand Teddy Bear culture. Guests even had the opportunity to create their own miniature Teddy Bears, enjoying the fun of artistic creation.
  2. Education and Training
    Through the provision of specialized courses, the Hong Kong Bear Association seeks to elevate public understanding and appreciation of teddy bear design. These programs enable participants to acquire practical technical skills while fostering creative expression. Recently, Ms. Gloria was invited by St. Hilary's Primary School to lead "Teddy Bear Design Workshops," dedicated to cultivating the next generation of artists. Under her expert mentorship, several young students have competed internationally and achieved prestigious, landmark awards.
    Have you ever seen teddy bears dressed in magnificent evening gowns? Each one lined up like a large-scale luxury brand catwalk show! Participants not only learn how to design and sew their own teddy bears, but Ms. Gloria also provides diverse design inspirations, enabling every participant to create a truly unique masterpiece.
  3. International Exchange
    Participating in international competitions not only elevates the profile of the Hong Kong Bear Association but also fosters exchange and collaboration between local artists and their international peers. This helps introduce new concepts and techniques, driving the further development of local teddy bear culture.
    The Hong Kong Bear Association has frequently invited international bear artists and editors from world-renowned media outlets to Hong Kong to share their creative journeys and techniques. These exchanges empower local artists to elevate their craftsmanship while fostering a deeper sense of cultural exchange.
  4. Social Responsibility
    Through the creation of teddy bears, many participants find a sense of inner peace in what is a deeply therapeutic process. The Hong Kong Bear Association seeks to leverage this healing power to give back to society and support those in need.
    Consequently, the Hong Kong Teddy Bear Association (HKTBA) organizes and participates in charitable initiatives, encouraging participants to share light and love through their teddy bears. These adorable creations serve as a source of warmth and solace for those in need of care and support.