The Hong Kong Young Fashion Designers’ Contest 2026 (YDC) concluded in spectacular fashion on 5 September as part of CENTRESTAGE, Asia's premier annual fashion event. The grand finale showcased the work of ten up-and-coming local designers who drew from personal experiences and emotions to create collections that told unique stories through distinctive tailoring and materials. The event, which is part of the third Hong Kong Fashion Fest, saw a host of celebrities and artists in attendance, including Will Or, elka@Lolly Talk, and Kaki Sham, adding glamour to the evening.
After careful deliberation, the judging panel selected Tsui Ao Lung as the Champion for his collection “The Tide.” Tsui’s designs were inspired by a classic Cantopop hit, depicting the ebbs and flows of a woman's life through four stages. He received a cash prize of HK$60,000 and an overseas internship sponsored by Fang Brothers Knitting Ltd. Cheang King Tung, Kenneth took home both the Excellence Award and the Best Art Direction Award for his collection “NOSTALGIA,” which drew from the 1983 film of the same name and explored themes of homeland and memory through hand-dyeing and experimental materials. The “My Favourite Collection” Award, decided by public voting, went to Lam Chun Ni, Jenny for “The Old Si-Fut and New Chai,” a collection that examined Hong Kong's workplace culture and the dynamics between veterans and rookies.
This year's YDC featured a distinguished judging panel chaired by Katherine Fang, Chairlady of the HKTDC Garment Advisory Committee, with Rok Hwang, founder and Creative Director of ROKH, serving as VIP Judge. The panel praised the show for its perfect fusion of Hong Kong culture and creativity. “YDC is an outstanding stage for young fashion designers,” said Hwang. “The winning collection truly stood out in terms of emotion and color, paired with a dramatic entrance.”
The event also marked a milestone for MINI HK, which has been the lead sponsor of YDC for ten consecutive years. To celebrate, nine YDC alumni winners created a limited-edition series of car-wrap designs for the All Electric MINI Cooper and MINI Aceman, with the tenth design created by the winner of the MINI-sponsored award. The collaboration encourages drivers to “Express Yourself.”
The success of YDC 2026 underscores the vitality of Hong Kong's fashion scene and its role as a cultural hub. The contest not only provides a platform for emerging designers but also reinforces the city's position as Asia's creative capital. As the fashion industry continues to evolve, events like YDC are crucial in nurturing talent and fostering innovation.
