Hong Kong Young Fashion Designers' Contest 2025 Crowns Emerging Talent with International Recognition

The Hong Kong Young Fashion Designers' Contest 2025 (YDC) concluded as part of Asia's annual fashion event CENTRESTAGE, organized by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) and sponsored by the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government's Cultural and Creative Industries Development Agency (CCIDA). Ten emerging local fashion designers presented original collections that combined boundary-pushing creativity with refined traditional craftsmanship, reflecting the contest's theme "How 'Bout You'" which encouraged personal expression and bold vision.

Chung Ka-ching, Tiger emerged as Champion with her collection "Bior," receiving a HK$60,000 cash prize, an overseas study trip sponsored by Fang Brothers Knitting Ltd, and a HK$3,000 CASETiFY gift voucher. Her work cleverly fused grassroots street elements with high fashion silhouettes using bootleg design techniques, challenging traditional fashion narratives and prompting reflection on class and aesthetics. Chung described the YDC as "an important platform for local fashion designers to step onto the international stage" and "a crucial springboard for designers" that provides exposure and development opportunities.

Lau Hei-nga received both the Excellence Award and Best Art Direction Award for her collection "In Pain," which explored the blurred boundaries between agony and ecstasy inspired by her personal battle with eczema. She received HK$40,000 in cash prizes, an overseas study trip sponsored by MINI HK, a five-day course at VOGUE College of Fashion in London, and additional gift vouchers totaling over HK$30,000 in value. Lau expressed how the contest's diverse audience allowed more people to discover her brand and work.

The "My Favourite Collection" Award, determined by public voting, went to Yip Wai-lam, Mook for "Modern Animals," a collection that fused human and animal characteristics to depict the workplace as an urban jungle. Yip received a HK$20,000 Lee Gardens Area e-Gift Certificate sponsored by Hysan Development and emphasized that the competition serves as "a significant stage where fashion designers at different stages in their careers can discover themselves and grow to their full potential."

The international judging panel included Charles Jeffrey, founder of UK fashion label Charles Jeffrey LOVERBOY, who praised the contest for nurturing young design talents and providing them with a major platform to showcase their work to international audiences. He found it inspiring to see how openly the contestants shared their research and inspirations. The event also featured mentoring from industry experts Victoria Tang-Owen and Kit Wan, who provided valuable guidance to the finalists throughout the competition.

MINI Hong Kong served as a major sponsor for the ninth consecutive year, collaborating with alumni YDC designers Jesse Lee (JESSE LEE) and Viki Tsang (GNASTIY.COM) along with singer Marf@COLLAR to stage a fashion performance featuring the new 2025 MINI Convertible. This collaboration demonstrated MINI's commitment to next-generation design aesthetics and sustainable innovation. Additional platform FASHIONALLY.COM staged multiple shows during CENTRESTAGE, featuring immersive installations that allowed audiences to experience creative brand worlds firsthand.

The YDC represents Hong Kong's strategic investment in developing its cultural and creative industries, aligning with the city's positioning as Asia's creative capital and an East-meets-West center for international cultural exchange. By providing emerging designers with international exposure, professional mentorship, and substantial development opportunities, the contest strengthens Hong Kong's fashion ecosystem and contributes to the global fashion industry's diversity and innovation. The success of past contestants who have become leading designers or established their own labels demonstrates the contest's significant impact on career development and industry growth.