It’s been six months since four bright talents won the Hong Kong Young Designers’ Contest 2017 (YDC 2017). As the application deadline for the YDC 2018 is approaching, Fashionally invited three of the previous edition’s winners to share their tips for success in an open seminar on 7 March, gathering potential participants at The Space, D2 place.
The three speakers were YDC 2017 winners Arto Wong, who was crowned overall champion and winner of the new talent award with her collection “Zero to Unlimited”; Sonic Lam, who won first runner-up with his collection “Barren Land” and recipient of the best footwear design award Jason Lee for his collection “Kingdom of the Underground”.
In addition to winning a cash prize of HK$45,000, Wong got the chance to work as a designer at a local knitwear company. Wong’s capsule collection at JOYCE will be unveiled later this year, and she is now preparing to launch her own label.
The designer says it’s important to present your ideas clearly to the judges. “You have to show them the challenges you have encountered in the process, and how you eventually solved all problems. To do so, a clear and well-organised mood board is important, as it’s the first way to explain your design and ideas to the judges.”
Lam, who won a cash prize of HK$25,000 and a study trip abroad sponsored by the Woolmark Company, has been working as a fashion designer for local street style brand Start From Zero. Lam advises would-be designers to embrace fashion trends. “Instead of focusing solely on designing, it’s important to understand the latest happenings in the fashion world. When you design for the YDC, don’t be afraid to add in some on-trend elements,” he says.
“Do what you love, that’s the number one priority,” says Lee, who won a cash prize of HK$10,000 last year after being crowned best footwear designer. “Be bold and don’t try to create something just in the hope of catering to the judges’ preferences. You never know – there might be judges who love avant garde designs.”
After winning the award, Lee has collaborated with I.T Apparels Ltd. to launch his capsule collection, “I Go to School by Bus” in late March. With support from the Hong Kong Trade Development Council, Lee has also launched his own label, YMDH STUDIO, which reflects the rebellious thinking of today’s young generation and the unique street culture of Hong Kong.
There is now less than a month until the deadline of YDC 2018. Entrants can apply online until 12 April for the chance to be identified as one of Hong Kong’s up-and-coming fashion designers.
