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, which itself was a flagship event of the third Hong Kong Fashion Fest. Ten finalists presented collections that drew from personal experiences and inner emotions, showcasing distinctive tailoring and materials that echoed this year’s theme, “YOU.” The event attracted a host of celebrities and artists, including Will Or and elka@Lolly Talk, who lent glamour to the proceedings.
After deliberations, a panel of professional judges selected four major award winners. Tsui Ao Lung emerged as Champion with his collection “The Tide,” earning a cash prize of HK$60,000 and an overseas internship sponsored by Fang Brothers Knitting Ltd. Cheang King Tung, Kenneth received both the Excellence Award and the Best Art Direction Award for his collection “NOSTALGIA,” securing a total of HK$50,000 in cash, a study trip sponsored by MINI HK, a five-day course at VOGUE College of Fashion in London, and an overseas study trip sponsored by VOGUE Hong Kong. Lam Chun Ni, Jenny won the My Favourite Collection Award for “The Old Si-Fut and New Chai,” receiving a HK$30,000 Lee Gardens Area e-Gift Certificate sponsored by Hysan.
Tsui’s winning collection, inspired by a Cantopop hit, depicted the ebbs and flows of a woman’s life through four stages, using artisanal materials that deviated from mainstream fabrics. Reflecting on his victory, Tsui said, “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.”
Cheang’s “NOSTALGIA” drew inspiration from the 1983 film Nostalghia and Hong Kong’s landscapes, using hand-dyeing and experimental treatments to translate memories into clothing. He expressed, “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.”
Lam’s collection explored workplace dynamics between veterans and rookies, incorporating common dictums into design elements. She said, “Joining YDC has given me many opportunities for growth and exposure... Perhaps the 'old-timer' workplace phenomenon resonates deeply with everyone, and I am incredibly grateful to everyone who voted for me.”
The judging panel, chaired by Katherine Fang, included VIP Judge Rok Hwang, founder of ROKH. Hwang praised the show, 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 winning collection truly stood out in terms of emotion and color, paired with a dramatic entrance.”
This year marked MINI HK’s tenth consecutive year as lead sponsor, celebrated with a collaboration where YDC alumni designed exclusive car wraps for the All Electric MINI Cooper and Aceman, embodying the “Express Yourself” philosophy. The event also featured a special stage programme sharing personal MINI stories.
The YDC’s significance extends beyond the runway, as it serves as a platform for nurturing young talent and reinforcing Hong Kong’s status as Asia’s creative capital. Supported by the Cultural and Creative Industries Development Agency and part of the Hong Kong Fashion Fest, the contest contributes to the city’s goal of becoming a fashion design hub. As these designers begin their careers, their innovative work promises to shape the industry’s future.
