The Hong Kong Young Fashion Designers’ Contest 2026 (YDC) concluded in spectacular fashion on 5 September, with Tsui Ao Lung emerging as the Champion among ten finalists. The contest, organized by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) and sponsored by the Cultural and Creative Industries Development Agency (CCIDA) of the Government of Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR), was the highlight of the closing evening of CENTRESTAGE, Asia’s premier annual fashion event. The grand finale showcased the creativity and skill of emerging local designers, whose collections drew from personal experiences and inner emotions, telling unique stories through distinctive tailoring and materials.
Tsui Ao Lung’s winning collection, “The Tide,” took inspiration from a classic Cantopop hit, depicting the ebbs, flows, and turbulence of human existence through the four stages of a woman’s life. Reflecting on his win, Mr. Tsui shared, “My immediate feeling upon winning is sheer exhaustion, as this collection required extensive handcrafting. I deliberately chose artisanal materials that are a stark departure from mainstream fabrics. I believe this award will bring more visibility, but more importantly, participating in YDC has helped me truly discover my future direction and the design aesthetic I am committed to pursuing.”
The Excellence Award and Best Art Direction Award went to Cheang King Tung, Kenneth, for his collection “NOSTALGIA,” inspired by the 1983 film Nostalghia. The work explores concepts of homeland, distance, and yearning, translating memories of Hong Kong into the language of clothing. Through hand-dyeing, sewing, and experimental material treatments, the collection showcases traces left by time, with each piece like a poem written to Hong Kong. Mr. Cheang expressed his gratitude, saying, “Participating in this year’s YDC has been incredibly rewarding. I am very happy that my non-mainstream work has gained mainstream recognition on the YDC platform, which further affirms my future creative direction.”
The My Favourite Collection Award, decided by public voting, was presented to Lam Chun Ni, Jenny, for her work “The Old Si-Fut and New Chai.” Set against Hong Kong’s workplace culture, the collection explores the dynamic between veteran “old-timers” and “rookies,” translating common workplace dictums into design elements. Ms. Lam noted, “Joining YDC has given me many opportunities for growth and exposure, and I am very glad that my work can be seen by more people. Perhaps the ‘old-timer’ workplace phenomenon resonates deeply with everyone.”
The judging panel, chaired by Katherine Fang, Chairlady of the HKTDC Garment Advisory Committee, included VIP Judge Rok Hwang, founder and Creative Director of ROKH. Mr. Hwang praised the contestants, saying, “YDC is an outstanding stage for young fashion designers. The show was energetic and inspiring, showcasing a brilliant mixture of Hong Kong culture and creative energy.” The finalists received mentorship from Alex Po and Derek Cheng, founders of PONDER.ER.
The event also featured a special collaboration with MINI HK, the lead sponsor of YDC for ten consecutive years. Nine YDC alumni winners created car-wrap graphics for MINI’s electric vehicles, celebrating the theme “YOU.” and MINI’s “Express Yourself” philosophy. The collaboration encourages drivers to express their individuality.
The announcement of the winners underscores the importance of YDC in nurturing young design talent and reinforcing Hong Kong’s position as Asia’s creative capital. The contest is part of the third Hong Kong Fashion Fest, which runs from 1 to 14 September 2026, and brings together various fashion events to promote the industry. For more information on CENTRESTAGE and YDC, visit www.centrestage.com.hk and www.fashionally.com/en/YDC. Photos from the grand finale are available at https://bit.ly/466pyDc, and additional downloads can be found at https://bit.ly/4xG73RY.
