"The CENTRSTAGE fashion event in Hong Kong saw young fashion designers compete at the Young Fashion Designers’ (YFD) contest and Kenneth Cheung emerged the winner. He received a cash prize and a one-month internship program at the international fashion brand ‘Facetasm’ Japan. The other winners of the 40th Hong Kong Young Fashion Designers’ contest are: Kenneth ‘No Country for Old Man’ first runner-up, Lee Tak-shing ‘Addendum’ second runner-up and the best footwear & accessories design award was taken up by Gim Wong."
The CENTRSTAGE fashion event in Hong Kong saw young fashion designers compete at the Young Fashion Designers’ (YFD) contest and Kenneth Cheung emerged the winner. He received a cash prize and a one-month internship program at the international fashion brand ‘Facetasm’ Japan. The other winners of the 40th Hong Kong Young Fashion Designers’ contest are: Kenneth ‘No Country for Old Man’ first runner-up, Lee Tak-shing ‘Addendum’ second runner-up and the best footwear & accessories design award was taken up by Gim Wong. Backpacker Kenneth Cheung, was declared the overall champion of YDC.
Asked about the essence of his design, Cheung said he had intentionally incorporated military elements into his design by adding electric red embroidery. This created a contrast to the muted palette of green, dark blue and brown hues, leaving a strong impression on the judging panel.
Gim Wong, awarded the second runner-up and the best Footwear & Accessories Design Award was participating in a fashion competition for the second time. Displaying strong enthusiasm for fashion design, Wong aspires to pursue her career in the industry. By her win, she, in a way, encouraged young fashion talent to join the YDC which is one of the most prominent competitions in the industry to gain more hands-on experience.
Hiromichi Ochiai, Designer for Japanese fashion label Facetasm was the VIP judge at the competition this year. He earned the distinction of becoming the first Japanese designer to reach an LVMH prize final. At the 13th Mainichi Fashion Grand Prix in 2013, Ochiai received the Shiseido Award for best new designer of the year. Last year, he presented his 2016 spring/summer collection at Georgio Armani’s Armani / Teatro at the Milan Fashion week. Other senior industry and media representatives joining the judging panel were : Lawrence Leung, Chairman of HKTDC Garment Advisory Committee who was the chief judge; Federico Tan, Director, social/capital, Bonnie Lam, VP, Yoho! Media Division, Reeds Yau, Director, Creative & Visual Merchandising, ImagineX Group, Jonathan Lee, Senior Buyer, Shine Trading (HK) Ltd; and Virginia Chan, Head of Footwear, i.t Apparels Ltd. They selected the best works based on creativity and originality, market potential, workmanship, use of fabrics and overall visual appeal.
