Asia’s leading fashion event CENTRESTAGE (Hong Kong International Fashion Showcase), organised by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC), with Create Hong Kong (CreateHK) of the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR)* as the Lead Sponsor, concluded successfully on 9 September. The grand finale of the event was the Hong Kong Young Fashion Designers’ Contest 2023 (YDC), where 10 Hong Kong designers showcased inspiration and creativity in their collections, adopting a variety of styles. Their performance was in line with the Everything is Inspiration theme this year and highlighted the infinite possibilities Hong Kong’s fashion-design industry presents. Celebrities Kay Tse, Ansonbean, Lagchun, Jamie Zhang, Indie band The Hertz, Sabrina Ng, Michael Chu, Rachel Leung, Natalie Ho, Wyllis Lam and CK Wong from STRAYZ, Carmina Lo, model Pete, rope skipper Pak Hung Cheung, stylist Ivan Lui and host Brian Chan attended the event.
The panel of professional judges selected winners from shortlisted entries, and Jason Ying emerged as champion and Best Visual Presentation Award winner, receiving a cash prize and one-month internship at self-portrait studio, sponsored by Fang Brothers Knitting Ltd.
The winners at YDC 2023 are as follows:
Champion and Best Visual Presentation Award: Jason Ying; Design: Holometabolism
Excellence Award: Johnson Chong; Design: Last Chance Hiking With My Mum
My Favourite Collection Award: Tiger Chung; Design: Whispers From The Nomad – A Folk Horror Tale
Jason Ying graduated from the Queensland University of Technology in Australia two years ago and has been working for a year to perfect his skills in pattern marking and sewing. He is obsessed with structure and form and has incorporated his curiosity for deconstruction and metamorphosis into his creations. In his exploration and imagination of the differences between humans and other species, he attempts to construct the diversity of evolution by using silhouettes, detailed joints and colours. Describing his win, he said: “It’s so amazing. I still can’t believe it. It feels like I’m in a dream. I want to keep working hard but still need to think about what the next step will be.”
Heavyweight judges offer valuable feedback to YDC participants
This year’s YDC featured a prestigious panel of judges comprising esteemed figures from the fashion industry and media. The heavyweight judging panel included Katherine Fang, Chairlady of the Hong Kong Trade Development Council’s Garment Advisory Committee, who served as the Chief Judge. Other guest judges included Han Chong, Founder and Creative Director of self-portrait; Yu Masui, a fashion journalist and digital content creator; Victoria Tang-Owen, Founder and Creative Director of Thirty30 Creative and Victoria Tang Studio; Jonathan Lee, a brand strategy consultant; Cherry Mui, Fashion Director of Tatler Asia; and Jimmy Chan, APAC Head of Commercial at Goxip Group. Han Chong said: “My favourite moment is to see so many young talents in one place.” Yu Masui shared his opinion: “Everyone has a unique style.”
The Hertz performed with MINI x Wilsonkaki Collection
MINI Hong Kong continues its partnership as lead sponsor for the seventh consecutive year. MINI HK collaborated with Wilson Yip. His design brand, Wilsonkaki Spring/Summer 2024 collection showcased the MINI’s incorporation of sustainability, love and inclusivity. The latest collection showcased at Tokyo Fashion Week. The Hertz performed their new song live for the first time on the runway of Wilsonkaki SS2024 collection.
For the first time, YDC is collaborating with CASETiFY to infuse the inspiration of the 10 shortlisted designers into limited-edition commemorative products of CASETiFY accessories. The four competition winners will also have the opportunity to collaborate with CASETiFY to launch an artist accessories collection, extending their designs to phone accessories. Through this collaboration, local fashion designers will be showcased on a broader stage. The collection will be available for public purchase from 9 October on the official website and all CASETiFY STUDiO stores in Hong Kong. By presenting the YDC performance ticket on the day of the event, customers can enjoy a 15% discount on a purchase at any store (terms and conditions apply).
Champion and Best Visual Presentation Award
Designer: Jason Ying
Design: Holometabolism
The design: What would have happened if human evolution had gone down the path of insects?
Humans are naturally unable to go through the four phases of metamorphosis as insects do – egg, larva, pupa and adult. Metamorphosis, also known as metamorphic phenomena, refers to the adaptation to ever-changing environments by adopting different life forms for survival.
Graduating from the Queensland University of Technology in Australia two years ago, designer Jason Ying has been working for a year to perfect his skills in pattern marking and sewing. He is obsessed with structure and form and has incorporated his curiosity for deconstruction and metamorphosis into his creations. In his exploration and imagination of the differences between humans and other species, he attempts to construct the diversity of evolution by using silhouettes, detailed joints and colours.
Award presenters (second and first from left): Katherine Fang, Chairlady of the HKTDC Garment Advisory Committee and Han Chong, Founder and Creative Director of self-portrait
Champion Prizes: (1) A cash award of HK$60,000; (2) A one-month internship at self-portrait studio sponsored by Fang Brothers Knitting Ltd; (3) Free usage of trend forecast service sponsored by Fashion Snoops; (4) HK$2,000 CASETiFY e-Gift Card and capsule collection to be sold online and CASETiFY STUDiO Hong Kong stores
Award presenter (right): Yu Masui, fashion journalist and digital content creator
Best Visual Presentation Award Prizes: (1) A cash award of HK$10,000; (2) HK$1,000 CASETiFY e-Gift Card and capsule collection sold at online and CASETiFY STUDiO Hong Kong stores
Excellence Award
Designer: Johnson Chong
Design: Last Chance Hiking With My Mum
The design: My mother holds a very important place in my life.
When was the last time you spent quality time with your mother? Mother is the most powerful and touching word in the world. She brings us life, embodies the image of a strong woman and represents selfless love and devotion.
Fashion designer Johnson Chong constantly reflects on and cherishes the time spent with his mother as he grew up and expresses his love for her through his creations. These pieces are not functional outdoor clothing as one might imagine, but reflect his personal experiences and memories, which are projected on the design details and fabric choices. They showcase the inseparable emotional bond between mother and child while highlighting the joy of motherhood.
Award presenter (right): Nancy Chen, MINI Brand Management Manager, BWM Group Importer Region, Hong Kong, Macao, Taiwan
Prizes: (1) A cash award of HK$40,000; (2) An overseas study trip sponsored by MINI HK; (3) Free usage of trend forecast service sponsored by Fashion Snoops; (4) HK$1,000 CASETiFY e-Gift Card and capsule collection sold online and CASETiFY STUDiO Hong Kong stores
My Favourite Collection Award
Designer: Chung Tsz Ho, Tiger
Design: Whispers From The Nomad – A Folk Horror Tale
The design: The greatest attraction does not come from appearance but sincerity.
Tiger Chung, who graduated last year from the Hong Kong Design Institute, is fond of art. He is particularly moved by the simplicity and sincerity depicted in paintings portraying the Tibetan people. He is also interested in observing society. The designer often uses romantic stories as satirical comment on what he sees as superficial modern societal values and a lack of creativity in the industry.
His collection sheds light on the mystic aura of the East and the Tibetan religion. Inspired by the traditional Chinese ghost story The Painted Skin, the designer has combined traditional craftsmanship with sustainable fashion techniques such as using processed animal bones and buttons made with clay in embroidery. It presents an anti-fashion aesthetic, going against the opulence and elegance of mainstream fashion.
Award presenter (left): Sandy Lau, Senior Manager, Corporate Communications, Hysan Development Company Limited
Prizes: (1) HK$15,000 Lee Gardens Area e-Gift Certificates sponsored by Hysan Development; (2) HK$1,000 CASETiFY e-Gift Card and capsule collection to be sold at online and CASETiFY STUDiO Hong Kong stores
Wilsonkaki SS24 Collection:
Theme: Traces of Life Themed “Traces of Life”, the brand’s SS24 Collection is inspired by a small scene in daily life. When taking the escalator of the MTR, the designer noticed that the person standing in front was wearing a T-shirt full of wrinkles. He thought of using the pleating technique, applying the brand signature colours – red, blue, white and khaki – in this collection, presenting the traces of people’s lives from the small details of their days. This year, the designer has mainly focused on the collaboration with car brand MINI and looks forward to sharing and showcasing the collaboration very soon.
FASHIONALLY COLLECTIONS
FASHIONALLY.COM aims to promote Hong Kong fashion and designers. There are latest collections from 16 local brands in this season, including: FromClothingOf, IP-AXIS, KEVIN HO, Kinyan Lam, KOWLOON CITY BOY, Lapeewee, MARCCH, MOOLLABBYLORRAINE, NONOBO, REDEMPTIVE, SZMAN, the Hole, VO-YAGE, WHY, Wilsonkaki and YMDH.
Please visit: https://www.fashionally.com/en/collection/page/21 for more details or https://bit.ly/3PA49L1 for photos.
FASHIONALLY PRESENTATION I: Kinyan Lam
Theme: TSAVT TANEM The series TSAVT TANEM – “give me your pain” in Armenian – draws on the many hardships Armenia has experienced in history. When they meet, Armenians greet and comfort each other. The collection continues to use self-dyed fabrics and applies hand-dyed colors, such as red, yellow, and blue with vibrant fronts. The fabric, combined with patchwork, twisted rope and embroidery details, expresses the simple power from natural colours and craftsmanship, hoping to bring a sense of healing
FASHIONALLY Presentation II: the Hole
Theme: Declining Noble The theme of this collection is Declining Noble and the clothing tells a story of a group of nobles who find peace after losing their status. The series is divided into five stages: Isolation, Anger, Depression, Acceptance and Peace. The brand utilises different materials, handcrafted details and colours to highlight the changes in the nobles’ minds.
FASHIONALLY Presentation III: IP AXIS
Theme: roughneck The designer defines his collections by chapter. The brand constructs a virtual world and imagines uniforms of different jobs in the future as inspiration to design futuristic, functional and non-seasonal items. Continuing the previous chapter with future cleaners as the origin of the design, this chapter takes oil-drilling workers as inspiration. The designer uses 3D tailoring to simulate the muscles of the workers doing their work. The design of detachable accessories is used to provide a variety of ways of mix and match. Waterproof and water-resistant materials are used to provide the functionality of the collection and present imagined future uniforms.
CENTRESTAGE: https://www.hktdc.com/event/centrestage/en
Hong Kong Young Fashion Designers’ Contest (YDC): https://www.fashionally.com/en/