The Hong Kong Young Fashion Designers’ Contest (YDC) 2026 concluded with a spectacular finale at CENTRESTAGE, Asia’s premier fashion event, held from 1 to 5 September. The event, organized by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council and sponsored by the Cultural and Creative Industries Development Agency, celebrated the creativity of ten finalists who presented collections that drew deeply from personal experiences and cultural heritage. The winners were announced on the closing evening, marking a milestone in their careers and highlighting the vibrant fashion scene in Hong Kong.
Tsui Ao Lung was crowned Champion for his collection “The Tide,” which drew inspiration from a classic Cantopop hit and depicted the emotional journeys of a woman’s life through four stages. His designs featured artisanal materials and extensive handcrafting, setting them apart from mainstream fashion. “My immediate feeling upon winning is sheer exhaustion, as this collection required extensive handcrafting. I deliberately chose artisanal materials that are a stark departure from mainstream fabrics,” Tsui said. He expressed that the contest helped him discover his future direction and design aesthetic.
Cheang King Tung, Kenneth received the Excellence Award and the Best Art Direction Award for his collection “NOSTALGIA,” inspired by the 1983 film Nostalghia. His work translated memories of Hong Kong—its humid air, harbours, fishing villages, typhoon shelters, and industrial landscapes—into clothing using hand-dyeing, sewing, and experimental material treatments. “Participating in this year’s YDC has been incredibly rewarding. I am very happy that my non-mainstream work has gained mainstream recognition on the YDC platform,” Cheang said, adding that his winning edge lay in presenting a complete worldview with dramatic expression.
Lam Chun Ni, Jenny won the My Favourite Collection Award, determined by public voting, for “The Old Si-Fut and New Chai.” The collection explored Hong Kong’s workplace culture, depicting the dynamic between seasoned “old-timers” and “rookies” through structural variations and details. Lam translated common workplace dictums into design elements, capturing the tension between conformity and rebellion. “Joining YDC has given me many opportunities for growth and exposure,” she said, thanking supporters for resonating with the theme.
The judging panel, chaired by Katherine Fang, included international figures such as Rok Hwang, founder of ROKH, and Olya Kuryshchuk of 1 Granary. Rok Hwang praised the show for its energy and inspiration, noting that the winning collection stood out for its emotion and color. The finalists also benefited from mentoring by Alex Po and Derek Cheng of PONDER.ER.
The event also marked a decade of partnership with MINI HK, which sponsored the YDC. To celebrate, nine YDC alumni created unique car-wrap designs for MINI’s electric models, with the tenth design by this year’s MINI-sponsored award winner. The collaboration underscored the theme “YOU.” and MINI’s “Express Yourself” philosophy.
Beyond the competition, CENTRESTAGE and the Hong Kong Fashion Fest, now in its third edition, continue to position Hong Kong as a leading fashion design hub. The event attracted industry players from around the world, fostering collaboration and innovation. As the winners embark on their next steps, including internships and study trips, their success underscores the importance of nurturing young talent in the region’s creative economy.
