#Textiles & Apparel / Garment

2026-09-09

YDC 2026 names winners in Hong Kong

Tsui Ao Lung, winner of the Champion title, presented a collection titled “The Tide", which takes inspiration from a classic Cantopop hit Kuang Chao. Through the four stages of a woman’s life, the collection depicts the ebbs, flows and turbulence of human existence driven by emotion and destiny. Reflecting on the demanding creative process, 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." © 2026 HKTDC

The Hong Kong Young Fashion Designers’ Contest 2026 (YDC) has named its winners at the conclusion of CENTRESTAGE in Hong Kong. Ten emerging local designers presented collections inspired by personal experiences and emotions, translating their ideas through distinctive tailoring, materials and craftsmanship.

Tsui Ao Lung was named Champion for his collection “The Tide”, receiving a cash prize of HK$60,000 and an overseas study trip sponsored by Fang Brothers Knitting Ltd. Inspired by the Cantopop song Kuang Chao, the collection uses four stages of a woman’s life to depict the ebbs, flows and turbulence of human existence driven by emotion and destiny.

Cheang King Tung, Kenneth, received both the Excellence Award and Best Art Direction Award for “NOSTALGIA”. Inspired by the 1983 film Nostalghia, the collection explores homeland, distance and yearning while translating memories of Hong Kong into clothing. Hand-dyeing, sewing and experimental material treatments reference the city’s humid air, harbours, fishing villages, typhoon shelters and industrial landscapes.

Excellence Award and Best Art Direction winner Cheang King Tung, Kenneth presented the collection “NOSTALGIA”. Drawing inspiration from the 1983 film Nostalghia, the work explores the concepts of homeland, distance and yearning, translating his memories of Hong Kong into the language of clothing. The collection draws inspiration from Hong Kong's humid air, harbours, fishing villages, typhoon shelters and industrial landscapes. Through hand-dyeing, sewing, and experimental material treatments, it showcases the traces left behind by the passage of time. Each piece is like a poem written to Hong Kong, documenting memories, emotions, and the connection between people and the city. Sharing his thoughts after the win, Mr Cheang said: "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. I believe the winning edge of my work lies in presenting a relatively complete worldview, and my method of expression was also more dramatic." © 2026 HKTDC

The public-voted My Favourite Collection Award went to Lam Chun Ni, Jenny, for “The Old Si-Fut and New Chai”. Drawing on Hong Kong workplace culture, the collection explores the relationship between experienced “old-timers” and younger “rookies”, translating workplace conventions into garment structures, proportions and details.

The My Favourite Collection Award was decided by public voting and the winner was Lam Chun Ni, Jenny for the collection "The Old Si-Fut and New Chai”. The work is set against the backdrop of Hong Kong’s workplace culture, exploring the dynamic between the veteran "old-timers" (si-futs) and the "rookies" (new chais). She translates common workplace dictums—such as "be humble", "talk less" and "endure hardship before you succeed"—into design elements. Through variations in garment structure, proportions, and details, she captures a state of mind caught between wanting to follow the rules and the urge to rebel, as well as the growth process from imitation and integration to a re-evaluation of young people. © 2026 HKTDC

VIP Judge Rok Hwang, founder and Creative Director of ROKH, praised the designers and the combination of local culture and creativity: “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 winning collection truly stood out in terms of emotion and color, paired with a dramatic entrance.”

YDC 2026 was organised by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) and held as part of CENTRESTAGE, which concluded on 5 September.