The Hong Kong Young Fashion Designers' Contest 2025 concluded with ten emerging local designers presenting original collections that combined boundary-pushing creativity with refined traditional craftsmanship. Organized by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council and sponsored by the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government's Cultural and Creative Industries Development Agency, the contest served as a crucial platform for new-generation designers to gain international recognition.
Chung Ka-ching, Tiger emerged as Champion with her collection "Bior," which uses bootleg design techniques to fuse grassroots street elements with high fashion silhouettes. Her work challenges traditional fashion narratives and prompts reflection on class and aesthetics. Chung received a HK$60,000 cash prize, an overseas study trip sponsored by Fang Brothers Knitting Ltd, and a HK$3,000 CASETiFY gift voucher. She emphasized that the YDC is "an important platform for local fashion designers to step onto the international stage" and serves as "a crucial springboard for designers."
Lau Hei-nga received both the Excellence Award and Best Art Direction Award for her collection "In Pain," which explores the blurred boundaries between agony and ecstasy inspired by her personal experience with eczema. She gained a cash prize of HK$40,000, an overseas study trip sponsored by MINI HK, a five-day course at VOGUE College of Fashion in London, and additional vouchers totaling HK$33,000 in value. Lau noted that the contest's diverse audience has "allowed many more people to discover my brand and my work."
Yip Wai-lam, Mook won the "My Favourite Collection" Award through public voting for "Modern Animals," which fuses human and animal characteristics to depict the workplace as an urban jungle. He received a HK$20,000 Lee Gardens Area e-Gift Certificate and additional vouchers. Yip described the competition as "a significant stage where fashion designers at different stages in their careers can discover themselves and grow to their full potential."
The international judging panel included Charles Jeffrey, founder of UK fashion label Charles Jeffrey LOVERBOY, who praised Hong Kong's commitment to nurturing young design talents. Jeffrey stated, "It's amazing how Hong Kong nurtures its young design talents, giving them a major platform to showcase their work to international audiences and industry figures." Additional information about the contest and participants is available at www.fashionally.com/en/YDC.
MINI Hong Kong served as a major sponsor for the ninth consecutive year, collaborating with alumni YDC designers and singer Marf@COLLAR to stage a fashion performance featuring the new 2025 MINI Convertible. The event highlighted sustainable and environmentally friendly innovation in fashion design. The HKTDC's ongoing support through platforms like CENTRESTAGE demonstrates the importance of creating opportunities for emerging designers to connect with global industry professionals and markets.
