19 December 2012 - The semi-final of the Hong Kong Young Fashion Designers' Contest 2013 (YDC) was held on 12 December 2012, when 14 finalists showcased their creative designs. The final contest will take place on 15 January next year to select four winners -- the best collections in the “Contemporary Daywear” and “Party & Evening-wear” categories, the Best Innovation Award and the Overall Champion. The new Best Innovation Award has been introduced to encourage young designers to be creative with different materials and applications such as eco-materials and cutting-edge techniques.
Hosted by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC), YDC has been playing a significant role in identifying emerging talent for the local fashion industry over the past years. The HKTDC is proactive in assisting aspiring young designers to run fashion shows and tap opportunities for brand building. To further improve their career prospects, the HKTDC rolled out FASHIONALLY.com in early 2012, offering the local industry their only online networking platform, which is supported by the HKTDC's global network. The portal facilitates business connections, brainstorming and information sharing. The recently launched Community section of FASHIONALLY.com welcomes fashion practitioners to register as members and share ideas and their latest works anytime on this platform.
Fashion Guru as Guest Juror
The YDC2013 has invited the legendary French creative consultant Marc Ascoli as the VIP judge. With his 30-plus years of fashion experience, the talented Marc plays multiple roles as artistic director for photographer and graphic designer, image consultant as well as the art, image and creative director for a string of famous brands. Marc has worked closely with Yohji Yamamoto, the Japanese fashion designer, since 1984. Meanwhile, he is among the creative and image heads of a host of famous brands, including Jil Sander, Rue du Mail, Chloé, Hugo Boss and so on. He has collaborated with elite designers, which he managed many art and creative direction projects for some renowned brands such as Calvin Klein, Gianni Versace, Martine Sitbon, Sergio Rossi and many more. Marc is also known for his special talent in spotting such talents as Nick Knight, David Sims, Mert & Marcus and Mario Sorrenti, who have all now famous fashion photographers. The collaboration between Marc and Nick Knight expanded the creative space of the fashion universe by bringing graphic design into the spotlight. In the 1987-88 autumn/winter collection of Yohji Yamamoto, with Peter Saville, the trio designed the fashion catalogue graced by the star model Naomi Campbell which changed the creative landscape of the fashion industry forever.
YDC 2013’s powerful judging panel is headed by Shirley Chan JP, Chairman of HKTDC Garment Advisory Committee. Members include Kyoko Mashiko, Director of Harajuku Project Showroom at H.P.FRANCE; Deborah Cheng, Vice President of Marketing & International Business at I.T Apparels Ltd.; Hidy Ng, Chief Designer of Co-wear International Ltd.; Jimmy Chan, Chairman and CEO of Semeiotics Inc; and Jing Zhang, Fashion Editor of the South China Morning Post.
Apart from the 14 finalist entries, new designs of past YDC finalists, namely Anki Cheung, Mag Choy, Mim Mak, Sandra Chau and Seth Yeung, will also grace the show.
Media Enquiries
Please contact the HKTDC's Media & Public Affairs Department:
Agnes Wat Tel: (852) 2584 4554 Email: agnes.ky.wat@hktdc.org
Sam Ho Tel: (852) 2584 4569 Email: sam.sy.ho@hktdc.org
About the HKTDC
A statutory body established in 1966, the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) is the international marketing arm for Hong Kong-based traders, manufacturers and service providers. With more than 40 global offices, including 11 on the Chinese mainland, the HKTDC promotes Hong Kong as a platform for doing business with China and throughout Asia. The HKTDC also organises trade fairs and business missions to connect companies with opportunities in Hong Kong and on the mainland, while providing information via trade publications, research reports and online. For more information, please visit: www.hktdc.com.
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FASHIONALLY.com
Exerting leverage of the HKTDC’s global connections, FASHION ALLY aims to promote Hong Kong’s young fashion design professionals by presenting them to fashionistas, fashion buyers, trend scouts and stylists around the world. It is a place to connect, to share information, and to get inspiration. It is a virtual showroom for fashion businesses to source talents. Not only does it connect designers, FASHION ALLY is also a communication hub for such professionals as photographers, hair and make-up artists, models and stylists, thus providing crucial networking opportunities for the entire fashion trade. Let creativity flow! For more information, please visit: www.fashionally.com.