YDC 2026 Winners Announced at CENTRESTAGE Grand Finale

The Hong Kong Young Fashion Designers’ Contest 2026 (YDC) reached its climax on 5 September at the grand finale of CENTRESTAGE, Asia’s premier annual fashion event. Organized by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) and sponsored by the Cultural and Creative Industries Development Agency (CCIDA), the event showcased ten finalists whose collections reflected the theme “YOU.”, drawing on personal narratives and innovative design. After intense deliberation, the judges crowned Tsui Ao Lung as Champion for his collection “The Tide”, which was inspired by a classic Cantopop song and depicted the emotional journey of a woman’s life through four stages. Tsui received a cash prize of HK$60,000 and an overseas internship sponsored by Fang Brothers Knitting Ltd.

Cheang King Tung, Kenneth garnered dual honors: the Excellence Award and the Best Art Direction Award for his collection “NOSTALGIA”. His work, influenced by the 1983 film Nostalghia, translated memories of Hong Kong’s urban landscape into garments using hand-dyeing and experimental materials. The Excellence Award came with HK$40,000 and a study trip sponsored by MINI HK, while the Best Art Direction Award included HK$10,000 and a five-day course at VOGUE College of Fashion in London, along with an overseas study trip sponsored by VOGUE Hong Kong. Lam Chun Ni, Jenny received the “My Favourite Collection” Award, decided by public vote, for her design “The Old Si-Fut and New Chai”, which explored workplace dynamics between veterans and newcomers. She earned a HK$30,000 Lee Gardens Area e-Gift Certificate sponsored by Hysan.

The judging panel, chaired by Katherine Fang, included VIP Judge Rok Hwang, founder and Creative Director of ROKH, who praised the event for its “brilliant mixture of Hong Kong culture and creative energy.” Mentored by Alex Po and Derek Cheng of PONDER.ER, the finalists received expert guidance throughout the competition. The event also celebrated MINI HK’s tenth year as lead sponsor, with alumni designers creating unique car-wrap graphics for the All Electric MINI models, embodying the “Express Yourself” philosophy.

The YDC serves as a vital platform for emerging designers, offering exposure and industry connections. This year’s winners exemplify the creativity and cultural richness that Hong Kong’s fashion scene has to offer, reinforcing the city’s status as a hub for design innovation. As the fashion industry evolves, events like YDC play a crucial role in nurturing new talent and pushing boundaries, ensuring that Hong Kong remains at the forefront of global fashion trends.