Hong Kong Design Institute’s ‘New Fashion Force’ Show Highlighted Next-Gen Talents
The Hong Kong Design Institute’s “New Fashion Force” show has become an annual tradition, showcasing graduating students’ designs.
This year’s edition, held on July 7, featured work from 28 graduates across the Higher Diploma in Fashion Design and BA (Hons) Fashion Design programs, the latter of which is jointly offered by Nottingham Trent University and SHAPE. In a runway show, each student presented a collection with a handful of looks. The designs that walked the runway ranged from romantic and whimsical to graphic and urban.
One of the graduates created and developed her knitting pieces at Lenzing’s Application Innovation Centre in Hong Kong. The Lenzing AIC Team, led by Sun Kwok, communicated and coached the student from materials to fabric pieces. Each year, the center supports students in the program and institutes projects aimed at expanding the sustainable knowledge of textile industry. This includes hosting workshops that provide an overview on everything from fiber through to fabric.
During the New Fashion Forces event, 12 awards in total were presented in categories including innovation, creativity, styling, embroidery, denim, men’s and women’s. The winners were decided by a team of professional judges, which included Rex Mok, general manager of Lenzing Fibers HK Limited. Rex also presented the Lenzing-sponsored “Best Innovation Award,” which went to Wong Chi Ching. Her collection “The Vision of Cats” featured sculptural accordion pleated details.
It was a wonderful experience for the Lenzing team to work together with the industry, as well as grow the potential new generation of designers and creatives. Sustainability is not only about materials and products, but also extending our experience and knowledge to the up-and-coming designers. We wish to keep working closely with all layers of the industry with all we can do.