The Hong Kong Young Fashion Designers’ Contest 2026 (YDC) reached its climax on September 5, as part of the CENTRESTAGE event, which concluded successfully. The contest, organized by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) and sponsored by the Cultural and Creative Industries Development Agency (CCIDA), showcased ten emerging local designers who presented collections inspired by personal experiences and inner emotions. The designs, which ranged from vivid to introspective, echoed the theme “YOU.” and captivated an audience that included celebrities such as Will Or and members of Lolly Talk.
After careful deliberation, the judging panel selected four major award winners. Tsui Ao Lung emerged as Champion with his collection “The Tide,” which draws inspiration from a classic Cantopop song. His design depicts the stages of a woman’s life, reflecting the emotional turbulence of human existence. Tsui, who received a cash prize of HK$60,000 and an overseas internship sponsored by Fang Brothers Knitting Ltd., expressed his exhaustion and gratitude, noting that the award will bring more visibility but that participating in YDC helped him discover his future direction.
Cheang King Tung, Kenneth received the Excellence Award and the Best Art Direction Award for his collection “NOSTALGIA,” inspired by the 1983 film Nostalghia. The work explores themes of homeland and yearning, translating memories of Hong Kong’s humid air, harbors, and industrial landscapes into clothing through hand-dyeing and experimental materials. Cheang, who won a cash prize of HK$40,000 and an overseas study trip sponsored by MINI HK for the Excellence Award, and a cash prize of HK$10,000 and a five-day course at VOGUE College of Fashion in London for the Best Art Direction Award, remarked that his non-mainstream work gaining mainstream recognition affirms his creative direction.
The My Favourite Collection Award, determined by public voting, went to Lam Chun Ni, Jenny for “The Old Si-Fut and New Chai,” which explores Hong Kong’s workplace culture and the dynamic between veterans and rookies. Lam translates common workplace dictums into design elements, capturing the struggle between following rules and rebelling. She received a HK$30,000 Lee Gardens Area e-Gift Certificate sponsored by Hysan and thanked her supporters, noting that the theme resonated with many.
The judging panel, chaired by Katherine Fang, included VIP Judge Rok Hwang, founder and Creative Director of ROKH. Hwang praised the show for its energetic and inspiring display of Hong Kong culture and creativity, noting that the winning collection stood out in emotion and color. The event also featured a special collaboration with MINI HK, which has been the lead sponsor for ten consecutive years. To celebrate, nine YDC alumni created car-wrap designs for MINI’s electric vehicles, with the tenth design by the YDC 2026 winner, embodying the theme of individual expression. The grand finale also included a stage performance involving local actors and MINI owners, sharing personal stories.
The success of YDC 2026 underscores Hong Kong’s position as a fashion hub, nurturing young talent and fostering creativity. The event is part of the Hong Kong Fashion Fest, which runs from September 1 to 14, and highlights the city’s commitment to cultural and creative industries. As these designers embark on their careers, their innovative collections signal a promising future for Hong Kong’s fashion scene.
