The Hong Kong Young Fashion Designers' Contest 2026 (YDC) concluded in spectacular fashion on September 5, as part of CENTRESTAGE, Asia's premier annual fashion event and a flagship of the third Hong Kong Fashion Fest. The competition, organized by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) and sponsored by the Cultural and Creative Industries Development Agency (CCIDA), showcased the work of 10 emerging local designers who drew from personal experiences and emotions to create unique collections that echoed the theme "YOU." The event attracted celebrities and industry figures, adding to the excitement.
After careful deliberation, the judging panel selected four major award winners. Tsui Ao Lung emerged as Champion with his collection "The Tide," inspired by a classic Cantopop hit. The collection depicts the ebbs and flows of a woman's life through four stages, using artisanal materials that stand apart from mainstream fabrics. Tsui expressed his exhaustion and gratitude, stating that the award brings visibility and helped him discover his future direction. The Excellence Award and Best Art Direction Award went to Cheang King Tung, Kenneth, for "NOSTALGIA," inspired by the 1983 film Nostalghia. The collection translates memories of Hong Kong—its humid air, harbours, and industrial landscapes—into clothing through hand-dyeing and experimental treatments. Cheang noted that YDC provided a platform for his non-mainstream work to gain recognition. The My Favourite Collection Award, decided by public voting, was given to Lam Chun Ni, Jenny, for "The Old Si-Fut and New Chai," which explores Hong Kong's workplace culture and the dynamics between veterans and rookies. Lam thanked voters and expressed gratitude for the exposure.
The judging panel was chaired by Katherine Fang, with VIP Judge Rok Hwang, founder of ROKH, praising the show for its blend of Hong Kong culture and creativity. The panel also included overseas judge Olya Kuryshchuk of 1 Granary, along with industry professionals Tracey Cheng, Jonathan Lee, Cherry Mui, and Kieran Ho. Mentors Alex Po and Derek Cheng from PONDER.ER guided the finalists throughout the competition.
This year marked MINI HK's tenth consecutive year as lead sponsor of YDC. To celebrate, nine YDC alumni created exclusive car-wrap designs for the all-electric MINI Cooper and Aceman, with the tenth design by the YDC 2026 winner. The collaboration reinforced the theme of self-expression. MINI also presented a special stage programme featuring local actors and MINI owners sharing their stories, creating an inspiring experience.
The event underscored the importance of nurturing young fashion talent and promoting Hong Kong as a fashion hub. The YDC provides a platform for designers to gain recognition and launch their careers, while CENTRESTAGE and the Hong Kong Fashion Fest boost the city's position as a cultural and creative capital. For more photos from the grand finale, visit https://bit.ly/466pyDc. For more information about the event, see the CENTRESTAGE website at www.centrestage.com.hk or the YDC page at www.fashionally.com/en/YDC.
