The Hong Kong Young Fashion Designers' Contest 2026 (YDC) drew to a spectacular close on September 5, crowning Tsui Ao Lung as this year's Champion. The contest, organized by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) and sponsored by the Cultural and Creative Industries Development Agency (CCIDA), was a highlight of CENTRESTAGE, Asia's premier fashion event, and part of the third Hong Kong Fashion Fest.
Ten finalists showcased collections that drew from personal experiences and inner emotions, reflecting this year's theme, "YOU." The runway show attracted a host of celebrities, including Will Or, elka@Lolly Talk, and Karl Ting, who cheered on the designers.
Tsui's winning collection, "The Tide," was inspired by a classic Cantopop hit, depicting the ebbs and flows of a woman's life across four stages. The designer expressed exhaustion and joy, noting that the award validates his commitment to artisanal materials and a unique design aesthetic. "Participating in YDC has helped me truly discover my future direction," he said.
Cheang King Tung, Kenneth received both the Excellence Award and the Best Art Direction Award for his collection "NOSTALGIA," inspired by the 1983 film Nostalghia. The work explores themes of homeland and yearning, translating memories of Hong Kong into clothing through hand-dyeing and experimental treatments. Cheang celebrated the recognition of his non-mainstream approach, stating that YDC affirmed his creative direction.
Lam Chun Ni, Jenny won the My Favourite Collection Award, decided by public vote, for "The Old Si-Fut and New Chai," which examines Hong Kong's workplace culture and the dynamic between veterans and rookies. Lam transformed common workplace sayings into design elements, capturing the tension between conformity and rebellion. She thanked voters, noting that the theme resonated widely.
The judging panel, chaired by Katherine Fang and featuring VIP Judge Rok Hwang, praised the collections for their fusion of Hong Kong culture and creativity. Hwang commented, "YDC is an outstanding stage for young fashion designers... The winning collection truly stood out in terms of emotion and color."
This year, MINI HK celebrated its tenth year as lead sponsor by commissioning nine YDC alumni and the MINI-sponsored award winner to create exclusive car-wrap designs for the All Electric MINI Cooper and Aceman, embodying the theme "Express Yourself."
The event also featured FASHIONALLY COLLECTION #26, showcasing new works from designers like MARCCH and MURFI LAU, further promoting young Hong Kong talent. As Hong Kong Fashion Fest continues to position the city as a fashion hub, YDC remains a vital platform for nurturing emerging designers and reinforcing Hong Kong's status on the global stage.
