Hong Kong Young Fashion Designers' Contest 2017 shortlisted to 15 names

Fifteen young fashion designers will go head to head on September 9, competing to win the Hong Kong Young Fashion Designers' Contest (YDC) 2017 at the finale of Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC)’s fashion trade fair, CentreStage.

Assessed on creativity, originality, market potential, workmanship, use of fabrics and overall visual appeal, the three top designers, as well as receiving cash prizes will have the chance to take part in internships sponsored by Sun Hing Knitting Factory Ltd, The Woolmark Company and Mini Cooper.

Two other awards will be granted for Best Footwear Design and New Talent, accompanied by mentorships at i.t apparels Ltd and JOYCE Boutique respectively, where the designers will develop capsule collections for the brands.

The YDC 2017 will be judged by a number of senior industry and media representatives, including VIP judge: Mug, founder and designer of Japanese fashion brand G.V.G.V..

Sharing insights and ideas with finalists, the judge line up also includes Chief Judge, Lawrence Leung, Chairman of the HKTDC Garment Advisory Committee; Virginia Chan, Head of Footwear at i.t apparels Ltd, who will serve as judge for the Best Footwear Design; Michael Mok, General Merchandising Manager at JOYCE Boutique Ltd and Marcella Wong, Chief Editor of Marie Claire.

Since HKTDC established YDC in 1977, Hong Kong has become a hub for fashion design and brands including Barney Cheng, Cecilia Yau and Harrison Wong.

This year, the 15 final collection rivals are: Alee Lee - "Reinventing the art of hand weaving", Murfi Lau - "Les Lie", Wilson Choi - "The Stolen Soul”, Arto Wong - "Zero to unlimited", Sonic Lam - "Barren Land", Jessica Wong - "The wave", Helianthus To - "Lab Rat", Kinyan Lam - "Birthmark", Chang Tak Yee - "Totem in Fashion", Jason Lee - "Kingdom of the underground", Yoyo Ng - "Humeur", Ayumi Kwan - "Primordial Hue" ,Tommy Wan - "The Impossible Love Trilogy", Kelvin Yiu - "Des order", Wong Ka Wai - "Streamline".

Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) was founded in 1966 and creates opportunities for Hong Kong businesses, promoting Hong Kong as a platform for China, Asia and the rest of the world.

Photo courtesy of Hong Kong Trade Development Council, Tommy Wan