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Success once again at the Hong Kong Young Fashion Designers’ Contest 2018

Nottingham Trent University (NTU) have once again produced winners at the Hong Kong Young Fashion Designers’ Contest.

Winners of Hong Kong YDC 2018
Winners of the Hong Kong Young Fashion Designers' Contest 2018
Featuring Yeung Shun Leong (pictured second from left), and Leo Chan (pictured third from right).

Established in 1977, the Hong Kong Young Fashion Designers’ Contest (YDC) aims to nurture and identify emerging talent for the local garment and fashion industry. Hong Kong has become a thriving hub for design and branded labels, and the YDC is where many leading designers made their mark.

Led by VIP Judge – international fashion designer Martine Rose – the panel of judges comprised of renowned industry personalities including Chief Judge Lawrence Leung, Chairman of the HKTDC Garment Advisory Committee, and more.

Contestants were assessed based on their creativity, originality, market potential, workmanship, use of fabrics, and overall visual appeal. Out of 16 local finalists, the judges selected four winners.

Leo Chan - winning collection
Leo Chan's winning collection

Recent NTU graduate Leo Chan was announced the overall winner and awarded a cash prize of HK$35,000 (approx. £3,400), and a month-long internship at leading brand Martine Rose, sponsored by Sun Hing Knitting Factory Ltd.

Previously from Hong Kong Design Institute (HKDI), he enrolled on a one-year top-up degree in BA (Hons) Fashion Design, a joint programme offered by NTU and the School for Higher and Professional Education (SHAPE).

Leo told us: “I am fond of futuristic fashion. Through my collection, I aim to revive the spirit of the German movement ‘Wandervögel’, which embraces nature and freedom, as an antidote to hectic city life. The colour scheme reflects the great outdoors, with black and green representing nature and the unknown. The khaki colours represent marks and stains accumulated from outdoor excursions.”

Leo’s focus on functional techwear also led him to include a jacket that doubled as a one-man tent in his collection.

Yeung Shun Leong - winning collection
Yeung Shun Leong's winning collection

Fellow HKDI and NTU graduate Yeung Shun Leong scooped up the New Talent Award with his visually powerful burgundy, white and grey collection, ‘Übermensch’.

Utilising elements from different martial arts merged to create the ultimate combat gear, Yeung’s collection featured jackets in oversized silhouettes – some with high necks pad and tie belts – referencing judo, fencing and boxing wear. The underarm panels allow for great flexibility and movement. The designs were made more durable and robust with stone washing and waxing.

Yeung secured a cash prize of HK$10,000 (approx. £973), and a mentorship offered by JOYCE to develop a commercial collection which will be sold at the renowned retailer.

Gilly Staples, Principal Lecturer for BA (Hons) Fashion Design, told us: “International students bring a new dimension, diversity, and cultural flair to the course. It’s great to see them grow through international collaboration and education.”

Published on 19 September 2018
  • Subject area: Art and design
  • Category: Current students; School of Art & Design