The Hong Kong Young Fashion Designers' Contest 2026 (YDC) crowned its winners on September 5, marking the end of this year's CENTRESTAGE, Asia's premier fashion event. Organized by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) and sponsored by the Cultural and Creative Industries Development Agency (CCIDA), the contest saw ten emerging local designers present collections that drew from personal narratives and inner emotions, echoing the theme 'YOU.' The evening attracted celebrities and industry insiders, adding to the event's glamour.
After deliberation, the judging panel selected four award recipients. Tsui Ao Lung emerged as Champion with his collection 'The Tide,' inspired by a classic Cantopop song. His designs depict the emotional currents of a woman's life through four stages, using artisanal materials that stand apart from mainstream fabrics. Tsui expressed exhaustion and pride, noting that the contest helped him define his future design direction. The Excellence Award and Best Art Direction Award both went to Cheang King Tung, Kenneth, for his collection 'NOSTALGIA,' which draws from the 1983 film Nostalghia and translates memories of Hong Kong's landscapes—its humid air, harbors, and typhoon shelters—into hand-dyed and experimentally treated garments. Cheang appreciated that his non-mainstream work gained recognition, affirming his creative path.
The My Favourite Collection Award, decided by public vote, was presented to Lam Chun Ni, Jenny, for 'The Old Si-Fut and New Chai.' Her work explores Hong Kong's workplace culture, juxtaposing veteran 'si-futs' with rookie 'new chais,' and captures the tension between conformity and rebellion through structural variations. Lam expressed gratitude for the support that led to her win, acknowledging the universal resonance of workplace dynamics.
International judges praised the contest for its fusion of Hong Kong culture and creativity. VIP Judge Rok Hwang, founder of ROKH, commended the energy and inspiration of the show, noting that the winning collection stood out for its emotion and color. The mentoring duo Alex Po and Derek Cheng of PONDER.ER provided guidance to finalists throughout the competition.
This year also marked MINI HK's tenth consecutive year as lead sponsor of YDC. To celebrate, nine YDC alumni created car-wrap designs for MINI's electric models, with a tenth design by the MINI-sponsored award winner, integrating the theme 'YOU.' and MINI's 'Express Yourself' philosophy. The grand finale featured a special stage programme where actors and MINI owners shared personal stories, reinforcing the brand's connection to individuality.
The YDC serves as a vital platform for nurturing young fashion talent, offering cash prizes, overseas internships, and study trips. As Hong Kong continues to solidify its position as a creative hub, events like YDC and CENTRESTAGE play a crucial role in fostering innovation and providing exposure for emerging designers. The success of this year's contest underscores the importance of such initiatives in sustaining the city's fashion industry and its standing on the global stage. For more photos from the grand finale, visit https://bit.ly/466pyDc. Additional downloads are available at https://bit.ly/4xG73RY.
