CENTRESTAGE’s grand finale on 5 September saw 10 up-and-coming designers bring their personal stories to life through creative collections.

The vitality of <a href="https://www.lofficielsingapore.com/jewellery/digital-cover-hong-kong-actress-charmaine-sheh-explores-new-luxury-niessing-jewellery" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Hong Kong</a>’s fashion scene has always been fuelled by the creativity of its&nbsp;<a href="https://www.lofficielsingapore.com/jewellery/local-artist-shye-anne-brown-on-how-music-has-helped-her-grow-as-a-young-woman" target="_blank" rel="noopener">homegrown talent</a>. Drawing on <a href="https://www.lofficielsingapore.com/fashion/uniqlo-spring-summer-2026-lifewear-urban-lifestyle-fashion-colour-style-clare-waight-keller" target="_blank" rel="noopener">urban</a> culture and issues shaping everyday life, new generations of designers continue to redefine “Hong Kong fashion” by bringing a distinctly local perspective to their work.

CENTRESTAGE provides an important platform for showcasing this emerging talent. Organised by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council and sponsored by the Cultural and Creative Industries Development of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government, the event is one of the highlights of the third annual Hong Kong Fashion Fest. This year, it culminated in the Hong Kong Young Fashion Designers’ Contest (YDC) 2026 on 5 September, where 10 up-and-coming local designers presented collections based on the promotional theme, “YOU.”
Four award winners were selected by a panel of esteemed industry figures, including ROKH founder and creative director Rok Hwang:

<h4>Champion: Tsui Ao Lung, The Tide</h4>

For his winning collection, Tsui looked to Susanna Kwan’s classic Cantopop hit “Kuang Chao” for inspiration. Rather than relying on conventional fabrics, he utilised intricate craftsmanship and artisanal materials to trace the stages of a woman’s life, using the four seasons as a metaphor for its shifts and changes. The theatrical presentation received high praise from the judges, with Rok Hwang commending its “outstanding” use of emotion and colour.

<h4>Excellence Award and Best Art Direction: Kenneth Cheang, Nostalgia</h4>

Inspired by Andrei Tarkovsky’s 1983 film Nostalghia, Cheang channelled his memories of Hong Kong into clothing. Familiar elements like typhoon shelters, humid atmospheres, industrial landscapes and fishing villages along the harbour were brought to life through hand-dyeing, sewing and experimental materials, resulting in a highly evocative collection that felt like a love poem to Hong Kong.

<h4>My Favourite Collection Award: Jenny Lam, The Old Si-Fut and New Chai</h4>

Selected by public vote, Lam’s collection examines the dynamics found in contemporary workplaces. Traditional expectations such as being humble and enduring hardships are expressed through variations in silhouette and proportion, capturing the tension faced by newcomers as they navigate the demands of an established system while striving to preserve their individuality.

<h4>Celebrating 10 Years with MINI HK</h4>

The evening also marked the 10th anniversary of lead sponsor MINI Hong Kong’s partnership with YDC. To celebrate the milestone, nine past YDC designers each created unique car-wrap designs for two of MINI’s all-electric models: the iconic three-door MINI Cooper and the stylish five-door MINI Aceman. Cheang, Winner of the YDC 2026 MINI HK Sponsorship Award, will also contribute a design at a later date.

The occasion also brought MINI owners and 16 local actors (including Kaki Sham, Crystal Cheung, Ah Mui, Rachel Leung, Yatho Wong, Dylan So, Amy Echulace, Ocean On, Ray So, Saito Chong, Cheuk Laam and DongDong) onstage to share their stories and experiences with their cars.

Rachel Leung

Will Or

Elka Cheng

Kaki Sham

Together, the collections and partnerships at YDC 2026 highlighted how fashion, art and lifestyle can come together to enrich the city that inspired them.

Here are the Winners of the Hong Kong Young Fashion Designers’ Contest 2026

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