YDC 2017 Uncovers Latest Hong Kong Fashion Talent

26 July 2017 – The Hong Kong Young Fashion Designers’ Contest (YDC) 2017 will be held on 9 September at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre. Organised by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC), YDC will be the finale of CENTRESTAGE, the HKTDC’s signature international fashion trade fair. Fifteen shortlisted young fashion designers will compete for the top three awards, as well as the JOYCE New Talent Award and Best Footwear Design Award.

This year’s VIP judge will be Mug, founder and Designer for the popular Japanese fashion brand G.V.G.V. She will attend the last stage of the competition and share her insights and ideas with the finalists. A graduate of Japan’s Kuwasawa Design School, Mug set up G.V.G.V. in 1999 in Tokyo and has participated in Tokyo Fashion Week since 2003.

Mug’s design features a combination of strength and tenderness alongside a free spirit. Under her guidance, G.V.G.V. has become one of Tokyo’s most sought-after fashion labels. G.V.G.V. welcomes collaboration with other brands for inspiration, working with fashion retailer UNIQLO since the 2007 spring/summer season. Mug has also been a buyer for grapevine by k3 Daikanyama since the 2010 spring/summer season, sourcing fashion collections from around the world. In the 2013 fall/winter season, Mug collaborated with OPENING CEREMONY to launch its first men’s collection. G.V.G.V. items are available in Tokyo, and at I.T. stores in Hong Kong.

Apart from the VIP judge, the judging panel will include other senior industry and media representatives. Lawrence Leung, Chairman of the HKTDC Garment Advisory Committee, will serve as Chief Judge, alongside fellow judges: Tasha Liu, Brand Director & co-founder of C.DONGLIANG and LABELHOOD; Michael Mok, General Merchandising Manager at Joyce Boutique (Hong Kong) Ltd; Marcella Wong, Chief Editor of Marie Claire; Deborah Cheng, Chief Commercial Officer at I.T Apparels Ltd; Brian Tam, Project Manager at The Woolmark Company; and Virginia Chan, Head of Footwear at I.T Apparels Ltd, who will serve as judge for the Best Footwear & Accessories Design Award.

The works of the finalists will be assessed based on creativity, originality, market potential, workmanship, use of fabrics and overall visual appeal.

YDC: Driving local fashion
YDC has been nurturing and identifying emerging talents for the local fashion industry for nearly four decades.

To further promote Hong Kong fashion designers to the world, the HKTDC launched the FASHIONALLY.com online platform in early 2012 to provide a one-of-a-kind networking and exchange platform for global fashion experts to connect, inspire and share information.

Fair Websites:
FASHIONALLY: www.fashionally.com
CENTRESTAGE: http://centrestage.com.hk

Media Enquiries
Please contact the HKTDC's Communication and Public Affairs Department:

Sam Ho         Tel: (852) 2584 4569           Email: sam.sy.ho@hktdc.org

Media Registration: Media representatives wishing to cover the event may register on-site with their business cards and/or media identification.

To view press releases in Chinese, please visit http://mediaroom.hktdc.com/tc

About the HKTDC
Established in 1966, the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) is a statutory body dedicated to creating opportunities for Hong Kong’s businesses. With more than 40 offices globally, including 13 on the Chinese mainland, the HKTDC promotes Hong Kong as a platform for doing business with China, Asia and the world. With 50 years of experience, the HKTDC organises international exhibitions, conferences and business missions to provide companies, particularly SMEs, with business opportunities on the mainland and in international markets, while providing information via trade publications, research reports and digital channels including the media room. For more information, please visit: www.hktdc.com/aboutus.