Global Denim Talent Programme Brought Hong Kong Design to Kingpins New York
East met West at Kingpins Show New York this January as Hong Kong-based designers from the Global Denim Talent Programme brought their collections to the show floor.
The Global Denim Talent Programme (GDTP) is an incubation program that aims to nurture creative talent for the denim industry in Hong Kong. Tied in with the Hong Kong Denim Festival, the six-month-long GDTP gives participants access to mentorship, training, networking opportunities and business support. The initiative was sponsored by seven industry partners, including TENCEL™.
For the final stage of this initiative, six candidates packed their designs and flew to New York for a field trip to Kingpins Show. On day one of the trade event, their designs were featured in a catwalk show.
Here, Carved in Blue catches up with two of the program’s participating designers to get their take on the experience.
Name: Cheuk Tsz Fa, Jasmine
Brand: Fab.flow
Collection: Blue Mirage
Carved in Blue: Please introduce yourself.
Jasmine: I am a creator dedicated to fashion redesign, seeking solutions for more Earth-caring design. My focus is on sustainable fashion, particularly upcycling old denim. Through Fabflow, I share my designs and craftsmanship, transforming worn textiles into unique pieces. I believe that when we reimagine possibilities, waste can become a resouce, and redesign can lead to new choices.
Carved in Blue: What are the design ideas behind your collection?
Jasmine: The collection, “Blue Mirage,” explores garment architecture, versatile styling and experiential fashion. Imagine a single garment transforming into five distinct looks, providing wearers with a richer styling experience! This collection embraces sustainable principles by using plant-based materials and repurposing fabric samples and recycled denim to create distinctive fashion pieces.
Carved in Blue: How was your experience with sustainable materials?
Jasmine: In exploring sustainable options, I believe that sourcing choices are crucial. Beyond transforming discarded clothing into resources, I have also learned about the benefits of plant-based materials. These materials come from natural sources, ensuring sustainability and the ability to return to nature, or biodegradability. Moving forward, Fabflow aims to consider designs that make garments easier to recycle and regenerate.
Carved in Blue: What have you gained from GDTP?
Jasmine: For a newly established brand, participating in GDTP has been crucial. It has allowed me to connect with professionals and denim enthusiasts, as well as receive support from renowned denim companies and brands. Additionally, I have gained a deep understanding of denim, including fabric selection, garment manufacturing and sustainable practices. I am very grateful for the guidance I received at GDTP, which has helped me refine my design approach.
Name: Lau Po Yiu, Yoyo
Brand: Yoyo Lau
Collection: Debris and Hug Me
Carved in Blue: Please introduce yourself.
Yoyo: Hello, I’m the founder of Yoyo Lau. My brand embodies Hong Kong’s traditional culture, focusing on sustainable and fashionable designs that evoke shared, joyful childhood memories. We primarily create apparel and accessories for both adults and kids.
Carved in Blue: What are the design ideas behind your collection?
Yoyo: I’ve designed two collections: “Debris” and “Hug Me,” both utilizing recycled denim fabric, including recycled yarn. These collections aim to blend sustainability with style, reflecting the essence of my brand’s mission.
Inspired by “Debris,” I aimed to raise awareness about the vital utmost importance of environmental protection and sustainable development. This collection uniquely blends the design elements for both adults and children, showing how eco-knowledge can be passed across generations. Whether you’re young or old, we’ve all got to learn from each other and driving meaningful environmental actions. On the materials and craftsmanship, I incorporated eco-friendly yarns and innovative laser print technology to reduce waste generation during production. The collection features Coolmax fabrics that keep you cool and comfy, even in classic denim. This highlights the rising prominence of functionality in the future of fashion.
The design concept of my ”Hug me“ collection beautifully embodies the importance of self-love and self-acceptance. This collection not only highlights individual value but also emphasizes the love and connection within families through designs for both adults and kids. The gradient from pink to black symbolizes the depth and diversity of love, encouraging everyone to cherish every moment in life. The use of eco-friendly yarns and innovative washing techniques aims to reduce waste during the manufacturing process, reflecting a commitment to environmental responsibility. Incorporating TENCEL™ and Lycra T400 functional fabrics allows traditional denim to offer exceptional comfort, aligning with the future trend of prioritizing functionality in fashion. This collection is not just about clothing; it is a declaration of a lifestyle. Regardless of age, we should learn to love and accept ourselves while boldly pursuing what we enjoy. Each design conveys the message of valuing the present and cherishing one another, allowing every wearer to feel the warmth and support of love.
Carved in Blue: How was your experience with sustainable materials?
Yoyo: Sourcing sustainable materials can be quite challenging in the market. It’s often difficult to find products for reuse that can also be mass-produced. However, I’m grateful to the following companies for their support during this program: Advance Denim Co., Ltd., Crystal International Group Limited, Jeanologia, The Lycra Company, Newtimes Group, TENCEL™ and Washi.Each of these companies, along with Davidand the GTDP team, generously contributed their time and expertise to support our education. They taught us every aspect from fiber selection to garment production and brand management, with a strong focus on creativity and sustainability. Additionally, they provided sustainable materials and insights into sustainable production processes, significantly enriching our knowledge on maintaining sustainability.
Carved in Blue: What have you gained from GDTP?
Yoyo: I am deeply grateful for everyone’s support and guidance. It has been a joy to be a part of GDTP and to have the opportunity to showcase my collection in New York Kingpins Show. GDTP has taught me that “Good Denim Takes Perfection,” which ultimately leads to added value in our products. It’s not just about the materials but also about the craftsmanship and dedication to sustainability. Thank you all, and I look forward to bringing even better sustainable designs in the future.