HONG KONG – The awards presentation ceremony for the 16th Footwear Design Competition Hong Kong was held today, honouring footwear designers who display abundant creativity. The competition was organised by the Federation of Hong Kong Footwear Ltd. and co-organised by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC). Guests at the ceremony included Gregory So, Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development; Frank Leung, President, Federation of Hong Kong Footwear Ltd.; William Tang, Non-executive Director, Belle Int’l Holdings Ltd.; Selina Chow, Permanent Honourary Advisor of the Hong Kong Footwear Design Competition; Raymond Yip, Deputy Executive Director, HKTDC; and renowned local fashion designers Dorian Ho and Johanna Ho.
An annual signature event for the industry, the Footwear Design Competition Hong Kong is recognised as the cradle for nurturing footwear design talent, uncovering new driving forces for the sustained development of footwear design and products. More than 800 inspiring entries were received this year. Winners were selected based on creativity, fashion aesthetic and producibility. The judging panel comprised professionals from related fields, including fashion designers, business chambers and retailers. Together they identified footwear design talents for the industry to promote its steady, healthy development.
The competition featured six categories: Ladies' Shoes, Ladies’ Boots, Handbag, Children’s Shoes, Men's Shoes and Design & Make Collection – a special category where contestants not only designed but also hand-made the product to demonstrate their exceptional craftsmanship. Each category yielded a champion, first runner-up and second runner-up. In addition, there was the Belle Overall Winner award, and the Best Design award voted by the public via the Federation of Hong Kong Footwear’s Facebook and at the awards presentation ceremony.
The entry “Life Chain” was named both Belle Overall Award winner and champion in the Ladies’ Shoes category. The work was designed by Au Chi-yip and inspired by sea waves and complex DNA structures, symbolising life’s many struggles. Made from hollow and twisted enamelled leather, the uppers feature a wavy look while nubuck heal counters add to the stability and aesthetics of the product.
Helping to promote the application of the latest technology in footwear manufacturing, some entries were designed and printed with 3D techniques. These include “Antelope”, the second runner-up in the “Design & Make Collection” category. The item uses wool in the uppers and 3D printing on the counters to create the horns, which appear to have grown out of the shoes.
Designer Kai Tin-lok bagged four of the awards; he was the champion in the Men's Shoes category and first runner-up in the Ladies' Shoes, Ladies’ Boots and Handbag categories.
All the winning works will be displayed at the apm shopping arcade from 4 to 11 September to share the extraordinary footwear designs with the public. The exhibition will also feature the history and development of Hong Kong’s footwear industry, complete with photos. The winning creations will also be on display at CENTRESTAGE, a brand new HKTDC international fashion event, from 7 to 10 September.
Media Enquiries
Please contact the HKTDC's Communication and Public Affairs Department:
Joe Kainz
Tel: (852) 2584 4216
Email: joe.kainz@hktdc.org
