Hong Kong Young Fashion Designers' Contest winners announced

The Hong Kong Young Fashion Designers' Contest 2017 awards named Arto Wong Champion and winner of the "New Talent Award." Wong received a cash prize and a study trip abroad, including a visit to the Japanese design G.V.G.V. studio. Wong will also receive mentorship from Joyce Boutique, to develop a capsule collection that will be sold at select shops under Joyce Boutique.

Arto Wong was inspired by the immense possibilities of transforming molecules to matter, her designs sought to play with weight and proportion. Wong said that it was a challenge finding time to finish the outfits being a full-time designer. Apart from time-management challenges, she encountered difficulties in trying to create volume, weight and the bounce effect for the ruffles in her knitwear collection, eventually succeeding after trying numerous techniques.

The best Footwear Design Award went to Jason Lee. Lee let his imagination run wild in creating a collection that links Chinese culture with a grunge theme. Flannel and denim elements accent the unisex collection of loose-fit outerwear and bottoms, which also feature the modern techniques of 3D printing and digital printing. Despite these modern techniques and styles, the collection effectively incorporates traditional Chinese influences. For example, the standard Magua jacket was made oversized with new badges nesting alongside traditional dragon embroidery.

Organised by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC). 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.

Images: HKTDC