The Hong Kong Young Fashion Designers’ Contest 2026 (YDC) concluded on 5 September with a spectacular grand finale at 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). Ten emerging local designers showcased collections that drew from personal experiences and inner emotions, reflecting this year’s theme, “YOU.”
After careful deliberation, a panel of professional judges selected four major award winners. Tsui Ao Lung emerged as Champion with his collection “The Tide,” receiving a cash prize of HK$60,000 and an overseas internship sponsored by Fang Brothers Knitting Ltd. His design, inspired by a classic Cantopop hit, depicted the ebbs and flows of a woman’s life through four stages, using artisanal materials that depart from mainstream fabrics. Tsui expressed that the process was demanding but rewarding, noting, “Participating in YDC has helped me truly discover my future direction and the design aesthetic I am committed to pursuing.”
Cheang King Tung, Kenneth received the Excellence Award and the Best Art Direction Award for his collection “NOSTALGIA,” which draws from the 1983 film “Nostalghia” and his memories of Hong Kong. The collection uses hand-dyeing and experimental treatments to reflect the city’s humid air, harbours, and industrial landscapes. Cheang was pleased that his “non-mainstream work gained mainstream recognition on the YDC platform,” affirming his future 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 through the dynamic between veterans and rookies. Lam translated workplace dictums into design elements, capturing the tension between conformity and rebellion. She expressed gratitude for the support, saying, “Joining YDC has given me many opportunities for growth and exposure.”
The event featured a distinguished judging panel chaired by Katherine Fang, with Rok Hwang, founder of ROKH, serving as VIP Judge. Hwang praised the show for its “brilliant mixture of Hong Kong culture and creative energy.” The finalists were mentored by Alex Po and Derek Cheng of PONDER.ER.
This year marked MINI HK’s tenth consecutive year as lead sponsor. To celebrate, nine YDC alumni designed car-wrap graphics for the all-electric MINI Cooper and Aceman, with the tenth design created by the YDC 2026 winner, blending the theme “YOU.” with MINI’s “Express Yourself” philosophy. A special stage programme featured local actors and MINI owners sharing their stories.
The YDC is part of the third Hong Kong Fashion Fest, which aims to position Hong Kong as a fashion design hub in Asia. The event underscores the importance of nurturing young talent and fostering creative industries, reinforcing Hong Kong’s status as an East-meets-West centre for cultural exchange.
For more photos from the grand finale, visit https://bit.ly/466pyDc.
