Seasonal changes bring busy shopping schedules for fashionistas, keen to shed heavy and dark fall winter gear for lively and bright spring summer apparels. The Hong Kong Young Fashion Designers’ Contest (YDC) joined hands with i.t to launch footwear designed by Gim Wong, second runner-up and winner of the Best Footwear Design Award of YDC 2016. Produced under i.t’s brand PUZZLE in a limited quantity of 100 pairs, the footwear will be available in ete! stores from 20 March, when the limited-edition footwear is officially launched at a media event.

 

Meet the mastermind behind the ete! x YDC Best Footwear Design Award collaboration –- Gim Wong is a graduate of Hong Kong Design Institute (HKDI), and a year 3 Fashion Design student of Nottingham Trent University. In 2016, apart from the YDC accolade, Wong also received the Best Contemporary Award from HKDI’s Graduate Show and the Create Smart Young Design Talent Special Award from DFA Hong Kong.

 

Inspired by her “Backpacker” collection, Wong applies black and white as base colours to her hybrid sneakers and tree-climbing shoes design. Black leather buckles and white high-tops provide a touch of elegance and offer the possibility of versatile mix-and-match. Before she knew that her work would be officially for sale, Wong initially had in mind a boyish footwear design. Knowing her design will be launched in the market, Wong is pleased for people of varying tastes to make a fashion statement through her footwear design. One can channel the all-black or all-white casual chic with these shoes; or to spice up a smart casual look by highlighting the contrast between the leather surface and climber shoe feature.

 

Footwear is as essential as clothes in the world of fashion, and Wong, encountered challenges during the production process. “It was my first time designing shoes. I did not take into account the importance of materials, detailing and comfort when submitting the initial design. It was not until I started to work closely with the design team and production team of i.t that I realised the difference between show pieces and ready-to-wear commercial goods. Fashion goods need to be trendy looking, but at the same time comfortable and functional to wear,” she explains.

 

Graduating in May 2017, Wong hopes to eventually establish her own fashion brand. To prepare for it, she has decided to continue post-graduate studies in fashion design in the United Kingdom. By studying fashion abroad, she wants to learn more about global fashion culture and to master fashion design techniques. More importantly, she wants to build connections with people who share her passion for fashion, and to use her experience in future collections. Ultimately, she wants to help promote Hong Kong fashion overseas. The designer says that her confidence and dedication have been boosted by her YDC experience. “Joining YDC opened a door to huge opportunities. I get to bring my design to a grand stage, so that more people can see my work. The collaboration with YDC and i.t brings my draft to reality. And what’s more exciting is that my work will be available in the market.”

 

YDC2017 CALL FOR ENTRY

There can be no greater satisfaction for a designer to have his or her collection launchedto a wide audience. Feeling inspired to launch your own fashion brand? Join YDC 2017 by submitting an online application before 10 April 2017. Prepare to shine!

ete!
THE ONE • Langham Place• APM

i.t
Silvercord • Festival Walk • New Town Plaza Phase I