News

Poly U Intimate Fashion Show 2021 showcases works of graduates on unconventional stage

Under the ‘new normal’ with the continuation of the COVID-19 pandemic, the fashion catwalk is no longer restricted to a traditional runway. The break with convention is best demonstrated by the PolyU Intimate Fashion Show 2021 which will be showcasing the collections of our graduates during the restrictions imposed by the pandemic. This year, ITC will utilise the PolyU campus as a runway stage, to show the talents of our students on a unique platform, and will be presented on an online video broadcast. Twelve (12) finalists who are majoring in Intimate Apparel and Activewear in the BA Scheme in Fashion and Textiles demonstrate their creativity and determination throughout the preparation of their graduate collection, and have finally completed their outstanding creations. The online video campaign this year has launched a new channel for our graduate students to present their designs on an interactive stage. The video will be broadcasted on our social media soon; please stay tuned for the video and creative designs of the finalists. To preview the finalist’s design collections, please click here. Follow ITC Instagram, Facebook Fan Page, and YouTube Channel for the latest updates.  

Dr Eunsoo Baek receives 2021 Fashion and Textiles Best Reviewer Award

Congratulations! Dr Eunsoo Baek is selected as the best reviewer in Fashion Business and Marketing areas for her services and contribution to the Fashion and Textiles, the Springer Open Journal of the Korean Society of Clothing and Textiles (KSCT). Dr Baek has served the role of a reviewer since 2018 and become an editorial board member of fashion business and marketing areas since 2020. Fashion and Textiles is a prestigious journal, ranked Q1 in Materials Science, Textiles (JIF Percentile: 82.000) based on the Journal Citation Reports (Clarivate Analytics), the most renowned index at the level of the world. Fashion and Textiles aims to advance knowledge and to seek new perspectives in the fashion and textiles industry worldwide. The Fashion and Textiles Best Reviewer Award recognizes excellence in reviewing, and each year our journal editorial teams select the best reviewers of the year based on the quality, quantity, and timeliness of their reviews during the previous year.

ITC welcomes new staff members

ITC is pleased to welcome the following new staff members to the academic team. Research Assistant Professor - Fashion Business Dr Juyeun Jang earned her Ph.D. in fashion marketing from the Dept. of Textiles, Merchandising and Fashion Design, at the Seoul National University. Her previous industrial experiences include working as a fashion designer and merchandiser in Seoul, South Korea. As a researcher, she is interested in the business environment and consumer changes driven by the application of digital technologies. As such, Dr Jang has carried out innovative and practical research projects that contribute to both the industrial and educational fields. Her primary research interests are in the consumer behaviour discipline, specifically focusing on immersive retailing with the use of advanced technology, such as virtual reality and its impact on fashion consumers. Research Assistant Professors - Fashion & Textile Technology Dr Jeongyeon LEE obtained his Ph.D. from the Department of Nanoscience and Technology at the Seoul National University in 2019 and then proceeded to work as a postdoctoral fellow in the Department of Applied Biology and Chemical Technology (ABCT) at the Hong Kong Polytechnic University for 2 years. His research interests lie primarily in the fields of energy storage/conversion applications. He is especially interested in the design and development of various electrode materials for next-generation secondary batteries. Dr Lee has published 28 international SCI papers (22 papers as first author) in the fields of energy storage/conversion applications. Dr Lisha Zhang received her Ph.D. degree in 2019 at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University and is now a research associate and postdoctoral fellow at ITC. Her research interest lies in wearable electronic systems. She has investigated the structure and properties of one-dimensional fibre-based thermoelectric generators (FTEGs) with theoretical and numerical methods. Her research also focuses on the contact resistance between electrodes and thermoelectric materials, influence of heat sinks on the performance of FTEGs, and ultra-low power energy harvesters to collect the electricity generated from FTEGs. Teaching Fellow – Fashion & Textile Design Mr Brian Tam obtained his Master of Cultural Studies at Lingnan University and Bachelor’s degree (Fashion Design) at the Hong Kong Polytechnic University. He was the winner of the Hong Kong Young Fashion Designers' Contest (YDC) during his second-year of study. He was appointed as Fashion Director by a South Korean retail group and spent over five years in Seoul to manage a team of over 20 creatives for three fashion brands from product to collection developments, and responsible for market positioning, and competitor analysis for branding strategy. He has served global marketing firms in planning and implementing marketing strategies that build brand value. Mr Tam worked five years at The Woolmark Company as Fashion and Marketing Projects Manager, and planned and implemented fashion trends forecasting, fashion education and training, international fashion competitions and awards, and marketing projects in Hong Kong and Greater China. Mr Tam is an experienced lecturer who has taught in fashion design colleges and was Programme Director at an international fashion college. He managed the fashion and marketing department there for five years. Instructor – Fashion & Textile Design Ms Amana Wu has 9 years of experience in Hong Kong working for local retail brands and knitwear trading companies. She provided strategic knitwear design development and promotional strategies for Japanese fashion brands, UK and US well-known designer brands such as Alexander Wang, Proenza Schouler, Rag & Bone, etc. before joining ITC. As a seasoned creative professional with years of experience in the fashion industry, Amana is known for driving business growth in the European, American and Asian markets, carrying out extensive design research work and leading fresh design graduates in tackling design problems. Before starting her career as a knitwear designer, she was awarded the 2nd runner up and most popular online voting award at the 3rd Hong Kong Young Knitwear Designers Contest in 2013. Throughout her studies in the UK, she has worked for European designer brands like Alexander McQueen, Christopher Kane Ltd., Giles Deacon and Emilio de la Morena. In 2010, she was awarded Feel the yarn 1st Year Training experience and design award for future knitwear designers by Toscana Promozione in Italy where she gained experience in communicating with Italian yarn mills. Amana holds a Master’s degree in Knitwear Fashion and a first-class Bachelor’s degree in Fashion Design with Knitwear from Central Saint Martins College of Art and Design. Mr Matt Hui attended the Royal College of Art in the UK and graduated with an M.A. in womenswear and knitwear. After garnering experience working at various international brands, he co-founded YLYSTUDIO and started Maokids, an embroidery commission service for pet lovers, in 2017. Prior to joining ITC as an instructor, Matt taught part-time courses for MA students at the Hong Kong Polytechnic University. Instructor – Fashion Business Mrs Candice Vincent earned her degree from the École supérieure des arts et techniques de la mode (ESMOD), a superior school of art and fashion in France. After she graduated, she reached out to Yoba, an ‘’in vogue’’ lingerie and concept store in the heart of Parisian chic. Mrs Vincent was appointed as the designer for their lingerie and fully took part in growing the business. Representing Yoba, Mrs Vincent was invited back to judge alongside Kenzo and Chantal Thomass to evaluate the potential of ESMOD graduates in 2006. She has participated in ongoing exchanges with factories in China to teamwork with merchandisers and technical teams. In her most recent and longest stint at Bendon, she has been promoted from Senior Designer to Head of Design by driving the brand in its entirety businesswise. Working alongside creative directors such as the iconic Elle McPherson, Australia’s most successful model, and Heidi Klum as she judged America’s Got Talent (AGT) and Project Runway, was a privilege, and acknowledgement of her design, creative and leadership abilities.

Dean's Distinguished Industry Lecture Series | Green and Low-Carbon Circular Economic Development Goals and Researches According to 14th Five-Year Plan

The third lecture of the Dean’s Distinguished Industry Lecture Series was given on 12 October by ITC and a close associate of PolyU - Dr Raymond Chu, PhD (Hon), DBA, A.T.I.. Dr Chu is the Chairman of The Hong Kong General Chamber of Textile; Chairman of Chemtax Industrial Co., Ltd.; and member of Advisory Committee on Textile & Clothing Industries of PolyU. His session entitled, “Green and Low-Carbon Circular Economic Development Goals and Researches According to 14th Five-Year Plan", gave an insights to fashion designers and merchandisers on the possible green manufacturing solutions to meet the government requirements in the coming five years planning. The talk was offered in a hybrid live format. Nearly 200 staff, students and alumni either attended in person and streamed the session on Zoom. Dr Chu introduced several environmental friendly initiatives and renewable resources, fibre, green dyeing system and finishing system. For details, please refer to his presentation file.   (Due to some technical problems, the video is not available.)

PolyU Undergraduate Info Day 2021

PolyU Undergraduate Info Day 2021 was successfully held on 10 October 2021. after the lowering of Tropical Cyclone  Signal 8. In view of the pandemic situation, the activity was conducted in hybrid mode for the first time. The Info Day provides students with the most up-to-date information about PolyU full-time undergraduate programmes. A broad range of activities, such as admission seminars, programme seminars, virtual booths, and consultations with PolyU academic staff, were arranged to help prospective students make an informed choice about their future academic pursuits at the University. The flexibility towards the minimum score requirement for JUPAS admissions will be continued, including for special talents with outstanding non-academic achievements such as sports talents under the Outstanding Sportsmen Recommendation Schemes (OSRS). Students who fall slightly short of the general entrance requirements for degree programmes (i.e. with one HKDSE subject result falling one level below the required level - “3-3-2-2-3-3” - level 3 in both languages and level 2 in Mathematics and Liberal Studies together with level 3 in two additional electives) will be given special consideration for admission.

2021年度广东省科学技术奖

提名项目的公示 为按照广东省科学技术厅关于2021年度广东省科学技术奖的条例及提名项目的公示要求，现将我校通过中山大学提名的2021年度广东省（自然科学奖）二等奖项目《高聚物基纳米杂化和复合材料的形成技术与协同增效机制》予以公示。如有异议，请实名与香港理工大学纺织及服装学系联系。 公示时间：2021年 10 月 6 日 -2021 年 10 月 12日 联系人： Poon Hosana 联系电话：852 2766 6414 地址：香港九龙红堪香港理工大学 詳情   香港理工大学纺织及服装学系 2021 年 10 月 9 日

Visit of advisory committee members and members of election committee – textiles and garment sub-sector

The 51st meeting of the Advisory Committee on Textile and Clothing Industries took place on 7 October 2021 under the chairmanship of Ms Shirley Chan, Vice Chairman of YGM Trading Ltd. Ms Chan welcomed the following new members to join the Advisory Committee: Mr Roger Chan, Executive Director & Chief Operating Officer, Cobalt Fashion (Hong Kong) Limited Ms Yan Chan, Senior Advisor for Sustainable Fashion, PIE Strategy Ltd Dr Raymond Chu, Chairman, Chemtax Industrial Co., Ltd. Mr Roger Lee, Chief Executive Officer, TAL Apparel Mr Eddie Yeung, Chairman, The Textiles and Clothing Alumni Association Ms Chan also expressed gratitude to Ms Vanessa Cheung, Founder of The Mills; Ms Angie Lau, CEO of Clover Group International Ltd.; Ms Irene Lau, Vice President, Lane Crawford China; and Dr Linus Siu, Director of TAL Apparel (S) Pte Ltd for their contribution in the past years. The committee members, which consist of the Head and Associate Heads of ITC, Associate Dean of Faculty of Science and Textiles, ITC committee chairman, and key industrial players, had a fruitful discussion. In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, some members attended the meeting virtually. The meeting was very productive as the external members who have a wide range of expertise, offered very constructive suggestions and feedback to ITC towards its efforts in the future development, in particular, the proposal for upgrading the Institute to the School of Fashion and Textiles. After the meeting, five members of election committee – textile and garment sub-sector, including Mr Richard Cheng, Mr Peter Hui, Mr Eric Lau, Mr Kenny Yang, Mr Benson Yau, together with Ms Man Lau of the Clothing Industry Training Authority, joined the facility tour to understand the teaching and learning facilities, as well as the recent research achievements.

ITF funds ITC research projects HKD 11 million

The Innovation and Technology Fund (ITF) of The Hong Kong Research Institute of Textiles (HKRITA) has approved a total of $11M for three ITC research projects in the past three months. Congratulations to Prof. HU Hong, Dr Tracy MOK, and Dr SHOU Dahua, who are the successful recipients of ITF funding for their research projects. Their focus is on development of 3D crimped polylactic acid (PLA) filaments and knitted products, a made-to-measure intelligent system, and soft robotic clothing, respectively. ITC research projects are diverse in scope and driven by a strong commitment to improve the well-being of the community, and excel in smart wearable technology, digital fashion technology, fashion sustainability and advanced fibrous materials through discovery and the pursuit of advancement in textiles technology. The list of the funded research projects is in the following table: ITF Project Title Project-in-charge Development of 3D crimped PLA filaments and knitted products with improved bulkiness and thermal insulation Prof. HU Hong Decentralised Intelligent Platform for Made-to-measure Mass Customisation Dr Tracy MOK Development of soft robotic clothing for adaptive thermal management Dr SHOU Dahua

ITC Alumni Networking Series

Hosted by Prof. Jintu Fan, Head and Chair Professor of ITC, the first ITC Alumni Networking Series was given on 30 September 2021 successfully. In response to the social distance restrictions, the activity was organised in a hybrid live format in the ITC 4D Theatre and streamed on Zoom. Prof. Fan shared that a series of consultation on upgrading the Institute to School is being conducted among staff and students, alumni and industrialists. "A new, independent school will provide a platform for ITC to achieve its vision, being the leading institution in fashion textile and design, education, research and partnership. It will also make ITC more visible." Prof. Fan said. An Industry Panel Discussion, presented by the FashionTech Timelapsed exposition Webinar Series, “Fashion Technology Adaptions: Past, Present and Future of the Supply Chain" followed. Three alumni including Ms Idy Lee from UNIFi3D, Mr Kim Ho from Crystal International Group, and Mr Roger Chan from Cobalt Fashion shared their views on various issues including:  how are modern fashion technologies integrated in their current product and supply chain in HK/Greater China what were their journeys like in adapting these technologies in HK/Greater China what role do they see design/PD sector play in such fashion technology adoption  in the coming 5-10 years of the industry in HK/Greater China, what impacts and advancements do they foresee The discussion was facilitated by FashionTech Timelapsed featured design scholars, Dr Sarina Sun, Assistant Professor of ITC; Dr Tsai-chun Huang, Research Assistant Professor of ITC. Before the end of the activity, Dr Joanne Yip, Chairlady of Partnership and Development Working Group, offered a facility tour to the alumni. They cherished the opportunities to reunite with their classmates and teachers! The event was jointly sponsored by The Textile and Clothing Alumni Association, Hong Kong Institution of Textile and Apparel, ITC Store, and The Fashion Gallery. 

Staff promotion

ITC is pleased to announce that Dr Lilly Li has been promoted to Professor effective 1 October 2021. Her research interests include design thinking, functional textile design, and advanced manufacturing. She has strong collaboration with various local and international brands and textile companies. She has successfully secured 64 projects worth a total amount of over HK$ 84 million, published over 90 research articles in world-leading and top-tier textile journals, and held 24 patents. Her research outcome is highly recognized by both academia and industry, generating a great impact on fashion business. The novel technologies developed have successfully trademarked for CN, EU, US, and HK, realized for mass production in tons scale and used for various commercial purposes with a total knowledge transfer value over HKD 300 million. With her achievement, she has won 29 prestigious international awards, including the Golden Award of the 46th and 47th International Exhibition of Inventions of Geneva for two consecutive years. Congratulation Prof. Li!