News

SFT funded students experience Tokyo's fashion and art firsthand

Six SFT students recently travelled to Tokyo and had the opportunity to immerse themselves in Tokyo's vibrant fashion and art scene. This unique experience was a prize for the winners of the Sustainable Future Challenge Competition, a collaborative venture between SFT and UNIQLO. FR2: A Glimpse into Tokyo's Trendsetting Fashion The journey started in the heart of Tokyo's fashion district, Harajuku, where the students visited the two flagship stores of FR2, Tokyo's iconic streetwear brand. The Yellow store, known for its lively and dynamic atmosphere, contrasted beautifully with the feminine and whimsical ambiance of the Pink store. The educational highlight was an interactive session with the FR2 store manager who shared information on the brand's rich history, philosophy, and sources of inspiration. This gave the students a comprehensive understanding of what makes one of Tokyo's most iconic fashion brands tick. Contemporary Art at the Mori Art Museum Apart from fashion, Tokyo's art scene was another focal point of the trip. The students visited the "World Classroom: Contemporary Art Through School Subjects" exhibition at the Mori Art Museum. This experience allowed them to witness how Tokyo's contemporary artists connect history with different fields to explore the mysteries of existence. One student reflected, “Seeing the modern artists' approach to linking history and various disciplines was truly eye-opening." Experiencing Tokyo Beyond the Classroom Aside from the structured visits, the students were given the freedom to explore Tokyo's urban marvels. During the day, they wandered through Harajuku's unique fashion shops, and at night, they experienced the lively vibes of Shibuya and Omotesando. Dr Di Fan and Dr Magnum Lam, the professors who oversaw the competition and study trip, commented, "It's essential for our students not just to learn from textbooks but to experience the global fashion and art scenes firsthand. This trip was a testament to SFT's commitment to holistic education." At SFT, student experiences are paramount. Such initiatives underscore our commitment to ensuring that students not only receive a top-tier education but also exposure to real-world experiences that enrich their understanding and passion for the fashion industry. Our dedication remains firm: to provide unparalleled experiences and nurture the next generation of fashion industry leaders.

Knitwear study tour to Mainland China resumed after pandemic

To learn more about yarn spinning, knitwear manufacturing as well as the latest knitwear design trends, Teaching Fellows, Dr Zhou Jinyun and Dr Lo Kawai, led a group of 12 knitwear design students on a seven-day study tour to Mainland China in late August. This summer study tour is usually held annually during the summer semester but was unfortunately suspended due to COVID-19 pandemic restrictions. During the trip, the students and staff members visited several well-known yarn mills and knitting factories including those in Zhejiang Province: Consinee Group in Ningbo; Xinao Textile, Zhongding Textile and Diwei Fashion in Tongxiang City; Zhejiang Huigang Fashion in Puyuan City; and Shi-Kwan Textile Technology Co., Ltd. in Shanghai. The students were excited to explore the latest knitting technology and facilities, and witness the spinning and dyeing methods of different materials as well as manufacturing process of sweaters. The delegation also visited Intertexile Shanghai and SPINEXPOTM in Shanghai from 29 August to 31 August. Intertextile Shanghai is a comprehensive textile and accessory exhibition where the students learnt about the newest apparel fabrics and materials. They were also inspired by the SPINEXPOTM trend forum and saw the latest yarn trends in the various booth presentations. Project coordinator, Dr Ho Chu-po commented, “The School always treasures the connections with the industry, especially our generous sponsors and supporters: Mr Anthony Keung, President and CEO of Fenix Group Holdings Limited and Ms Bernia Chan, founder of F.I.T. Knit-tech Limited."

Victor Lee and Mason Wong shortlisted at YDC 2023

Amidst an impressive display of talent and creativity, graduating student Lee Wai-tak Victor and alumnus Wong Ho-yu Mason were shortlisted at the prestigious Hong Kong Young Designers’ Contest (YDC) 2023. Known as one of the most influential fashion design competitions in the region, YDC celebrates emerging young designers and their unique visions. The contest attracts entries from talented individuals who demonstrate outstanding craftsmanship, conceptual thinking, and an exceptional understanding of the industry. Victor Lee’s collection, “924”, contemplates the dynamics between people in relationships, and seeks to explore the intangible interpersonal distances that exist within them. Through his creations, he delves into different levels of intimacy in relationships, and the shifts in dynamics and tension experienced during the ebb and flow of a relationship. His work primarily utilises mix-and-match materials, patterns formed by layering images in different states and the transformation of forms derived from intimate relationships with silhouettes. Mason Wong’s collection “Defend” aims to convey his feelings about dressing and encourages people to break free from the trend of gender ambiguity by finding outfits that truly suit them. He deliberately combines altered and adjoined materials, delicate tailoring and references to armour to interpret his perception of the grandeur, confidence and harmonious balance of strength and softness of male aesthetics. Watch the show

SFT + knitwear industrialists ignite innovations at Young Designer Project

Four talented knitwear design students, Cheung Wai-yee, Yim Chi-ching, Qiu Wing-yee,  and Li Yan, Lizy, were shortlisted in the Young Designer Project competition and given the unique opportunity to create outfits with the generous production sponsorship of local knitting manufacturers. They leveraged the different kinds of sponsored materials and created awe-inspiring and imaginative garments that push the boundaries of knitwear design. The collaboration reached its zenith when the winning students had the honour of showcasing their exceptional designs in Florence - the heart of Italy, in June. This prestigious event attracted guests and visitors from all corners of the world, providing them with an exclusive glimpse into the extraordinary talents of our knitwear design students. Building on this success, the winning pieces are set to captivate audiences worldwide as they make appearances at prestigious fairs in Paris, New York, and Shanghai throughout 2023 and 2024. This global exposure not only celebrates the achievements of the students but also highlights the significance and impact of the collaboration between SFT and the knitwear industry. The winning students were also supported by the International Competition and Conference Participation Scheme (ICCPS) which is administrated by the Global Engagement Office (GEO) of PolyU to enhance internationalisation and achieve global excellence and a global reputation. The value of this collaboration extends far beyond the academia, as the partnership effectively bridges the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical experience. This partnership serves as a driving force for positive change within the fashion industry, pushing the industry toward a future defined by creativity and excellence. By nurturing talent and fostering innovation, this collaboration is a milestone for both knitwear design students and the industry alike. Ms Susan Kwong, Marketing Director of M.ORO Cashmere had this to say: "This collaboration represents a significant milestone in the journey of knitwear design students and the industry. It highlights the immense value of combining academic expertise with industry insights, resulting in a powerful synergy that drives innovation, cultivates talent, and propels the fashion industry forward."

SFT students recognised at "Thread of Creativity" fashion design competition

The "Thread of Creativity" fashion design competition, which aims to inspire Hong Kong's younger generation and engage them with the fashion industry, successfully wrapped up its third annual event on 9 September 2023. Co-organised by the Sham Shui Po District Youth Development and Civic Education Committee, and the Asian New Generation Creativity Design Association, this competition provides a platform for passionate young individuals between 16 and 29 years old to showcase their talent and creativity in fashion design. Three SFT students were recognised for their creative efforts, including Lam Lik Ki, Carlos who won 2nd Runner-up, Wang Guolin, Naomi who was given the Best Creativity Award while TANG Lai Sho, Lisa received Best Marketability Award. This year’s competition which featured the theme of "INFINITY" challenged contestants to redefine fashion by merging traditional culture and new technology, while emphasising the importance of sustainable development. The aim of this theme is to encourage innovative approaches that not only create infinite new looks but also contribute to the preservation of our planet. Throughout the competition, the participants had the opportunity to demonstrate their innovativeness, creativity, and talent. Twelve finalists were shortlisted to participate in workshops organised by the competition's organisers, where they had the chance to further develop their skills and expand their knowledge of the fashion industry. These practical workshops equipped the contestants with valuable insights and allowed them to engage with industry professionals. This competition was held at the well-known CENTRESTAGE event, where the finalists presented their unique designs to a captivated audience.    Photos source: Asian New Generation Creativity Design Association

Mandy Fong awarded at Redress Design Award 2023

SFT celebrates the remarkable achievement of alumna Mandy Fong (BA, 2022), who was awarded the prestigious Hong Kong Best Prize at the Redress Design Award 2023, organised by Redress. The grand final presentation and award ceremony took place at Centrestage on 7 September 2023. Mandy's exceptional talent and innovative approach to sustainable fashion design earned her the distinction of being Hong Kong's highest-scoring designer in the competition. Along with the Hong Kong Best Prize, she also received a development fund of HK$15,000 for her fashion brand. With a strong commitment to the slow fashion movement, Mandy aims to utilise her platform and brand to create planet-forward pieces by using meaningful materials, thereby extending the lifespan of clothing. Her award-winning design collection, titled 'Start From Zero', drew inspiration from the issue of home textile waste. Through her designs, Mandy explores the potential of upcycling home textile waste into multifunctional outfits that seamlessly combine aesthetics and practicality. Mandy's captivating show collection was also prominently exhibited at The Mills for two weeks, which allowed the public to appreciate her sustainable designs alongside the works of other finalists and esteemed alumni. The School remains steadfast in its commitment to collaborating with the fashion industry to foster a sustainable fashion future through education and innovative initiatives. About Redress and Redress Design Award Redress is a Hong Kong-based NGO dedicated to driving the transformation towards a circular fashion industry. Since 2011, Redress has organised the world's largest sustainable fashion design competition annually. The competition serves as an educational platform for emerging fashion designers worldwide, and promotes sustainable design theories and techniques to realise a circular fashion system. By showcasing sustainable design talent on a global stage, the Redress Design Award provides a unique opportunity for passionate and talented fashion innovators to revolutionise the global fashion industry. The award also grants career-changing prizes to maximise long-term impact.

Emerging brands of SFT alumni shine at CENTRESTAGE 2023

SFT, in collaboration with the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC), played a significant role as a partner institution at the prestigious fashion event CENTRESTAGE which was held at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre from 6 to 9 September. The four-day event showcased the achievements of SFT alumni, and featured their booths and a mini parade show. A new SFT platform, Mint Studio was also introduced. The event welcomed both industry professionals and the general public.This year, SFT proudly presented 12 emerging brands of its alumni at CENTRESTAGE, and provided them with 72 sqm of space to showcase their innovative concepts and latest designs for both business-to-business (B2B) and business-to-consumer (B2C) purposes. Following the COVID-19 pandemic, face-to-face business matching meetings with local and international buyers, suppliers, and retailers have resumed, which offer valuable networking and business opportunities. The participating alumni brands included athenaeum(m.), 199S, GNASTIY.COM, JÚNEE, Lam Wing Sum, LE FONDRE, MIDNIGHT FACTORY, My beloved crafts, PSY LAU, röyksopp gakkai, SZMAN, and VIVA IN THE LAB. Notably, alumni brands such as PSY LAU and SZMAN received special recognition and promotion from a well-known online fashion magazine, Madame Figaro, and HK01, a local online news portal. About CENTRESTAGE 2023 CENTRESTAGE 2023, now in its eighth year, is an annual fashion extravaganza organised by the HKTDC, along with Create Hong Kong (CreateHK) of the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region as the Lead Sponsor. The event is renowned for featuring both local and international fashion brands, captivating runway shows, curated presentations, and informative seminars and forums that focus on fashion trends and sustainability.

Ng Pui-pui and Li Yan shortlisted for XINAO "Knit for Next 2023"

The ‘Knit for Next 2023’ knitwear design competition organised by Zhejiang Xinao Textiles Inc. (XINAO) shortlisted two Year 3 BA students, Ng Pui-pui and Li Yan, among 2,200 entries globally. Their collections were showcased at SPINEXPOTM Shanghai from 29 August to 31 August along with the creations of eight other finalists. XINAO hosted the competition as a platform for fashion design students around the world to share their creativity. The students used the F/W 2024 - 2025 XINAO wool collection and were encouraged to show their awareness and understanding of environmental protection and the exceptional properties of wool and cashmere yarn as the primary raw materials through this competition. Pui-pui and Yan designed their knitwear collections with these goals in mind, and created a low-carbon and clean knitted series of garments. Pui Pui’s exquisite seamless dress also crowned her winner of the Cixing Wholegarment Award.

Minkyeong Bae chosen as young researcher for 2023 URIS Scheme

SFT proudly announces that Minkyeong Bae, a BA student majoring in knitwear design and technology, has been chosen as a young researcher for the prestigious 2023 Undergraduate Research and Innovation Scheme (URIS). This exemplifies her remarkable academic accomplishments and unwavering commitment to her studies. Currently in her fourth year of study, Minkyeong has earned this distinguished recognition and secured a URIS Scholarship of HK$10,000 along with an accompanying project grant valued at HK$30,000. Minkyeong shared her thoughts: “As a dedicated SFT student, I am excited about working with PolyU’s esteemed research community. This prestigious award is a true honour, and I am profoundly grateful for the guidance of Dr Chloe Ki, which has played a crucial role in my success in securing this scholarship. Under her expert supervision, I am eager to explore the impact of generative AI — a technology with immense potential to reshape various facets of the contemporary fashion industry. Specifically, my research will focus on how this technology influences perceptions and purchase decisions among fashion consumers. I view this opportunity as a pivotal cornerstone in my academic journey, guiding my path toward my future career.” About the URIS The URIS is a distinguished initiative with the primary aim of fostering academic curiosity and championing inquiry-based learning within the undergraduate student community. The  scheme offers a platform for candidates who are pursuing their Bachelor's degree to explore their research interests.

SFT School Retreat 2023

SFT recently organised its first retreat, which took place from 24th to 25th August in Macau. The retreat, centred around the theme of 'Research Excellence', brought together more than 40 staff members for a productive exchange of ideas and insights. Prof. Erin Cho, Dean of SFT, gave the opening speech to start the event, during which she provided updates on the future plans of the School and announced the launch of new Master's programmes. Following her address, Prof. Kan Chi-wai and Prof. Xu Bingang delivered presentations on research and knowledge transfer performance. During the 2-day event, the participants engaged in group discussions that focused on various topics, including collaborative research, future strategic research directions, and the enhancement of research impact and environment. These discussions proved to be highly fruitful, setting the stage for the strategic direction of SFT in the upcoming year. SFT remains committed to fostering research excellence and creating a vibrant research community. Staff members are encouraged to exchange knowledge, explore collaborative opportunities, and contribute to the ongoing growth and development of the School.