Congratulations to our Year 3 BA student, Ng Tung-lam, Daniel, for winning the 2025 Sustainable Fur Design Competition. At the competition held at the Grand Hyatt on 19 February 2025, Daniel impressed both the audience and judges with his unique contribution to sustainable fashion. His innovative design, "SHEPHERD", creatively upcycles used fur fashion items, thus showcasing the endless possibilities of fur materials.
Daniel's design concept draws inspiration from the idea of guiding individuals through life's distractions and challenges, much like a shepherd leading lost sheep back to safety. His vision uses fashion as a medium for self-rediscovery and finding new purpose. The centrepiece of his design is a balloon skirt, which symbolises a green Earth, thus representing the fragility and beauty of our planet. The deconstructed style of the upper garment resembles hands that are cradling the planet, which reinforces the message of nurturing and safeguarding our world.
For the upper part of the outfit, Daniel transformed a long coat made of rabbit fur into a short coat, which infuses practicality into fashion. This transformation not only adds a modern touch but also highlights the potential of repurposing materials for sustainable fashion. The lower part of the design features spherical fake grass and oxidised fabric, which further accentuate the theme of renewal and growth.
The 2025 Sustainable Fur Design Competition, organised by the Hong Kong Fur Federation, emphasises sustainability by upcycling, recycling, reusing, and transforming vintage and waste fur into biodegradable, relevant, and contemporary designs. Daniel's work exemplifies these principles by delivering a powerful message of environmental protection and guiding people through their struggles.
