The Hong Kong Young Fashion Designers' Contest (YDC) 2024, organised by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC), successfully concluded after six months of intense preparation and anticipation. During this period, ten talented local designers crafted and refined their collections, culminating in a spectacular showcase that embraced this year's theme, "To Be Seen."
The esteemed judging panel included prominent figures from the fashion industry and media. Chief Judge Katherine Fang, Chairlady of the HKTDC Garment Advisory Committee, led the panel. VIP Judge Masayuki Ino, founder and designer of Doublet, and overseas judge Bohan Qiu, founder and director of fashion PR firm Boh Project, contributed their expertise.
Other distinguished judges included Jonathan Lee, co-founder of The Molecule; Iemi Chu, Associate Publisher of Vogue Hong Kong; Tracey Cheng, Vice President of Womenswear Merchandising at I.T; and Victoria Tang-Owen, founder & creative director of Thirty30 Creative, Victoria Tang Studio, and Director of Arts, Culture & Heritage for Shanghai Tang. Their insights ensured a high standard of evaluation and recognition for the emerging designers.
Reflecting on the quality of entries in this year’s YDC and the achievements of the winners, VIP Judge Masayuki Ino said: “All the works presented by the designers are fantastic. I had already seen all the entries before the final, but being able to witness them again on the runway gave me a different perspective. I am excited to see all 10 fashion designers from the next generation at YDC.”
And the final results are: Tiger Chung as the champion, K Ng received the Excellence Award, and Yoyo Chan scooped the Best Art Direction and My Favorite Collection awards, voted by the public.
| Champion |
Tiger Chung - “Rager”
Receiving the Champion prize, Tiger Chung, designer of the winning collection titled “Rager”, said: "I felt calm upon learning about the award, but just now, witnessing the models wearing my award-winning designs for the first time, I felt excited beyond measure!" Tiger re-entered the competition as a proud advocate for subculture. He has been continuously exploring how to present the unique design ethos of young-generation designers and his collection exudes the energy and vitality experienced at a music festival.
| Excellence Award |
K Ng - “Remnants of Light”
The Excellence Award went to K Ng, a graduate of the Fashion Design Degree. In his competing series “Remnants of Light,” K creates scenarios with details on fabric: the embroidery on the coat looks like fireworks, but actually symbolises the explosions of war. The piece is a luxurious floor-length coat, but as the wearer grips the straps and wraps themselves tightly underneath, they resemble a refugee.
| Best Art Direction & My Favourite Collection |
Yoyo Chan - “Trouble X”
Yoyo Chan, a fashion designer, won the Best Art Direction and My Favourite Collection awards with “Trouble X”. Her “Trouble X” collection breaks the stereotypical association of school uniforms by deconstructing the style, adding playful elements, and subverting expectations in the details. Highly saturated reds are interspersed with warm yellows, presenting a hot-blooded attitude and independent personality. As she frees the clothing from the rigidity of occasions, fashion design becomes an advocate for ageless rebellion.
The 3 winners will also collaborate with YDC and CASETiFY to launch a capsule collection, extending their designs to mobile accessories, which will be available online and at CASETiFY STUDiO Hong Kong stores.
MINI x Johnson Chong/Kinyan Lam Collaboration Series
For the eighth consecutive year, MINI HK was the major sponsor of the YDC. This year, the brand collaborated with two YDC Alumni designers, Johnson Chong (YAMA GUEST) and Kinyan Lam (Kinyan Lam), to present a fashion collection inspired by its latest car models – the MINI Cooper and MINI Aceman – with designs reflecting the spirit of urban outdoor travellers and adventurers, being both minimalistic and functional. Singer Panther Chan also performed her self-composed new song “Five-Petalled Rose Celebrations”, bringing the fashion show to a perfect close.
Watch the Full YDC 2024 show on our YouTube channel.
