The Hong Kong Young Fashion Designers' Contest 2026 (YDC) reached its climax on 5 September at the grand finale of CENTRESTAGE, Asia's annual premier fashion event. Ten emerging local designers showcased collections inspired by personal narratives, with Tsui Ao Lung clinching the Champion title for his collection "The Tide." The event, organized by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) and sponsored by the Cultural and Creative Industries Development Agency (CCIDA), was a key highlight of the third Hong Kong Fashion Fest.
Tsui's winning collection drew inspiration from a classic Cantopop hit, "Kuang Chao," depicting the emotional ebbs and flows of a woman's life through four stages. His use of artisanal materials, a deliberate departure from mainstream fabrics, required extensive handcrafting. "My immediate feeling upon winning is sheer exhaustion," Tsui said. "Participating in YDC has helped me truly discover my future direction and the design aesthetic I am committed to pursuing." He received a cash prize of HK$60,000 and an overseas internship sponsored by Fang Brothers Knitting Ltd.
The Excellence Award and Best Art Direction Award went to Cheang King Tung, Kenneth, for his collection "NOSTALGIA," inspired by the 1983 film Nostalghia. Cheang translated his memories of Hong Kong—its humid air, harbors, and industrial landscapes—into clothing through hand-dyeing and experimental material treatments. "I am very happy that my non-mainstream work has gained mainstream recognition on the YDC platform," he said. He received HK$40,000 and an overseas study trip sponsored by MINI HK for the Excellence Award, plus HK$10,000 and a five-day course at VOGUE College of Fashion in London for the Best Art Direction Award.
The My Favourite Collection Award, decided by public voting, was presented to Lam Chun Ni, Jenny, for "The Old Si-Fut and New Chai," exploring Hong Kong's workplace culture and the dynamic between veterans and newcomers. Lam incorporated workplace dictums like "be humble" and "talk less" into her design elements. "Joining YDC has given me many opportunities for growth and exposure," she said. She received a HK$30,000 Lee Gardens Area e-Gift Certificate sponsored by Hysan.
The judging panel, chaired by Katherine Fang, included VIP Judge Rok Hwang, founder and creative director of ROKH. Hwang praised the contestants' energy, noting, "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." Overseas judge Olya Kuryshchuk provided feedback remotely, while local judges like Tracey Cheng and Cherry Mui contributed to the deliberations.
This year marked MINI HK's tenth consecutive year as lead sponsor of YDC. To celebrate, nine alumni winners created exclusive car-wrap designs for the All Electric MINI Cooper and Aceman, with the tenth design by the MINI-sponsored award winner. The collaboration underscored YDC's theme, "YOU.", and MINI's "Express Yourself" philosophy.
The event also featured FASHIONALLY COLLECTION #26, promoting young designers such as MARCCH, MURFI LAU, and OUS, alongside presentations by phenotypsetter, Oplus2, and Szmannie. With its blend of local culture and cutting-edge design, YDC 2026 reaffirmed Hong Kong's status as a burgeoning fashion hub.
