News

Dr Lilly Li receives Gold Award for Far Infrared Functional Fibre innovation

ITC is pleased to announce that Dr Lilly Li, Associate Professor, is the recipient of the Gold Award at the 4th China (Shanghai) International Exhibition of Invention and Innovation 2021 for her research project titled ‘Innovation of Highly Efficient Far Infrared Functional Textiles’. Fabric Swatches made of the FIR Fibers. The highly efficient far infrared (FIR) functional fibre is innovative in that that approach involves the structural modification of fibre cross-sections to increase the absorptivity and emissivity of FIR radiation. The structural modification of the fibre cross-sections can be done in all types of synthetic materials. The method is eco-friendly and chemical-free, without the addition of any chemicals, additives, or coatings. As such, the function is more durable. Since the production approach is the physical alteration of the fibre morphology, the need for additional materials (such as chemicals or additives) is eliminated. Theoretically, the surface area of a triangular cross section is relatively smaller than that of commonly used circular ones. Thus, the production cost will be lower compared to conventional methods. Textile products made with such fibres can be subjected to numerous washes and are light in weight with a balance between moisture-thermal management and wear comfort.  The highly efficient FIR functional fibre can be explored for new applications in the functional and healthcare textile markets. Product Design and Development.

Dr Chloe Ki publishes top cited article in Psychology & Marketing

ITC is pleased to announce that Wiley has recognized a paper written by Dr Chloe Ki and published in Psychology and Marketing  as a top cited article during 2019 and 2020. Dr Ki received a certificate of achievement from Wiley for “The mechanism by which social media influencers persuade consumers: The role of consumers’ desire to mimic”. This paper was also recognized as one of the top downloaded papers between 2018 and 2019. In this study, Dr Ki investigated the influencer marketing phenomenon, which has become an integral part of the digital marketing strategies of fashion retailers. She investigated the mechanism through which social media influencers exert influence over consumers. One of the noteworthy implications of her work is documenting that social media influencers not only serve as opinion leaders, but also as taste leaders who win over social media audiences by showcasing their personal taste. Both the taste and opinion leadership influence the desire of consumers to follow the influencers, which in turn, has a  decisive role in purchase decisions. We know that the findings in Dr Ki’s work will help fashion retailers and marketers to maximize the significant benefits that influencer marketing can offer.

Ms Mary Yu recipient of PolyU Outstanding Alumni Award 2021

Congratulations to Ms Mary Yu Wah, in receiving the PolyU Outstanding Alumni Award 2021! Jointly organised by PolyU and the Federation of PolyU Alumni Associations, the biennial Outstanding PolyU Alumni Award aims at honouring outstanding graduates of PolyU and its forerunner institutions – the Government Trade School, the Hong Kong Technical College and the Hong Kong Polytechnic – for their remarkable professional achievements and contributions to the community and their alma mater. Ms Yu is a graduate of Higher Diploma in Fashion and Clothing at ITC in 2003 and BA (Hons) Scheme in Fashion and Textiles (Fashion and Textile Design) in 2005. She is a world-famous fashion designer and currently the Founder of Mary Yu Design. She is highly regarded for her creative design of qipao, blending eastern and western elements, which shines on the world stage. At a young age, she has already engaged in commercial fashion design for international brands. Her prolific repertoire also consists of uniforms of local companies, organisations and Hong Kong sports teams, including the chic performance apparel seen in the Hong Kong equestrian events of 2008 Olympics. Throughout her distinguished career, Ms Yu has garnered countless awards, such as Forty under Forty by the Perspective, the Ten Outstanding Young Persons Selection of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Professional Elite Ladies Selection, and Hong Kong Culture and Creativity Industries Award. A true leader in her trade, she has been twice the winner of China’s Most Successful Design Awards. Some of her works are kept by the China National Silk Museum as its permanent collection.

Staff promotion announcement

ITC is pleased to announce that Dr Desmond Chau and Dr Carrie Wong have both been promoted to Teaching Fellow effective 1 April 2021. Dr Desmond Chau teaches subjects related to CAD/CAM for fashion & textiles, CAD in textiles design, 3D fashion modelling and 3D pattern design. Dr Carrie Wong obtained her PhD from The Hong Kong Polytechnic University. Her teaching specialties include fashion retailing, and entrepreneurship and customer relationship management. Congratulations to Dr Chau and Dr Wong. We wish them continued success at ITC.

Prof. Kinor Jiang secures HK$4M from ITF

Prof. Kinor Jiang, Professor of ITC, recently secured over HK$4 million in funding from the Innovation and Technology Fund (ITF) via The Hong Kong Research Institute of Textiles (HKRITA) for a project sponsored by the China Resources Research Institute of Science and Technology Company Limited.  The project is titled “Development of Flexible Surface Enhanced Raman Scattering (FSERS) System for Food Safety Detection”.  At present, conventional food safety detection methods mainly include: gas, liquid, thin-layer and immunoaffinity chromatographies, Raman, fluorescence and infrared spectroscopies, etc. These detection technologies are usually low in efficiency with special requirements, such as expensive equipment and a necessary degree of expertise. Therefore, these technologies are only suitable for professional testing departments. In this project, metal nanoparticles are coated onto the surface of textile materials by using magnetron sputtering, and modified by chemical grafting, to prepare type-specific/ universal flexible surface-enhanced Raman substrates (FSERS). The response of FSERS to different pesticides, and food and restricted additives will be systematically investigated. At the same time, a set of portable Raman instrument will be designed for food safety inspection in combination with the FSERS  to form an FSERS detection system, which is an efficient and convenient detection tool for the food safety industry.

ITC alumna receives Parsons School of Design scholarship: Hanhui Guo

Hanhui Guo (BA, 2020), who majored in fashion and textile design at ITC, was recently awarded a scholarship from the Parsons School of Design in New York to pursue her postgraduate study. Her outstanding portfolio and interview impressed Parsons and gave her the green light into the Master of Fine Arts in Textiles program. Hanhui shared her insights into gaining admission: "The portfolio is a crucial part of the application. It is the deciding factor in whether you are offered an interview or not”. For over a year, Hanhui worked on her portfolio which shows that her hard work was not in vain. In fact, her outstanding academic performance has resulted in a number of scholarships during her time at PolyU, including the Dr Y.K. Ching Memorial Scholarship in the academic year of 2016-17, and four ITC Scholarships for Non-local (Chinese mainland) Students from 2016 to 2019. She shares her story with ITC: “Being a fashion designer has always been my biggest dream since I was a little girl. I learned about fashion step by step, which allowed me to find out more about this wonderful profession, and led me to understand what I truly want." “Fashion is a lovely language to express the designers’ feelings and stories.”  Hanhui Guo. After graduation from secondary school, she chose to enroll at ITC to pursue her passion. She explains, “ITC has an integrated curriculum which appealed to me. As a design student, I learn more than just designing. I was taught about fashion technology, fashion marketing and retailing, and much more. Knowledge of all of these is important to design students.” She explained her reason for choosing ITC. “ITC is a platform where students could take full advantage of the opportunities to improve themselves and reach their goals.” During her time at ITC, Hanhui had many memorable experiences. “One of my most unforgettable experiences was a shop visit arranged by the subject lecturer, Dr Jeanne Tan. She took us to a luxury fabric shop. The shop sells top of the line fabric which inspired me a lot.” She reminisces about the nice teachers and wonderful facilities at ITC, and rare yet numerous amazing opportunities such as factory visits and internships. “But,” Hanhui adds, “opportunities are for those who are well prepared. Self-learning is a very crucial aspect during your study.” Final year project by Hanhui. Right now, Hanhui is still uncertain about her career path but she will take full advantage of every job opportunity around textiles, fashion and art. Although she has gained a strong foundation in fashion and textiles at ITC, she hopes to be more accomplished and have a better understanding of her career area. This is one of the reasons why she is continuing her studies as a postgraduate student at Parsons. “Parsons has a good reputation in the design area, especially fashion, and is one of my dream schools. I hope to further enhance myself there.” On a final note, Hanhui encourages all ITC students to follow their passion. Her advice is to: “Be curious, brave and grasp every opportunity. Stay true to yourself, look deep inside your heart, and go!”

Honouring and celebrating the life of Ms Basia Szkutnicka

It is with profound sadness that we share the news of the passing of our beloved colleague, Ms Basia Szkutnicka, in mid-March. To honour and celebrate her life and achievements, ITC organised a memorial service for Basia on 31 March at Hotel ICON.  Apart from her friends and colleagues who attended the service in person, over 100 people from all over the world who could not travel and say their farewell in person joined the service via Zoom.  Prof. Fan delivers an opening speech. During the service, Prof. Jintu Fan, Head and Chair Professor of ITC, delivered the opening speech:  “For Basia, the journey is now beginning. But for us, there is loss, grief and pain. Every one of us here has been affected - perhaps in small ways, or perhaps in transformative ones- by Basia. Her life mattered to us all.” Some close friends of Basia, including Hannah Svensson, Sean Chiles, Kristina Shin, Eleanor Warrington, Julia Gaimster, Elizabeth McClafferty, Basia Zamorska, Julia Robson and Elinor Renfrew paid tribute to her through their eulogy.  Ryan Houlton, Deputy Head of the Programme for MA Fashion & Textiles Design, and a close working partner of Basia, ended the service with a closing speech. A tribute video called ‘The Time Warp’ from one of Basia’s favorite films, ‘The Rocky Horror Picture Show’, was shown. Mr Ryan Houlton ends the service with a closing speech. Basia had made important contributions to the fashion industry.  She was a passionate educator and a visionary thinker and influencer in fashion education.  She will be fondly remembered by all of us.     

Interfiliere Shenzhen 2021 spotlights ITC final year student collections

Twelve final year ITC students showcased their creativity at Interfiliere Shenzhen 2021 which was hosted at the Shenzhen World Exhibition & Convention Center from 24 to 26 March.  EUROVAT, an organizer of leading global trade shows in lingerie, activewear and swimwear, invited these Intimate Apparel and Activewear specialism students to exhibit 2-3 outfits in the Creativ’ Lab at the event. INTERFILIERE and China Knitting Brands Innovation Design Week joined forces to create “1 international High-end Intimated Apparel show” + “1 International Knitwear Show“. Interfiliere Shenzhen 2021 attracted over 500 exhibitors with highly selective visitors to build a platform that benefits the body fashion industry.  Although the COVID-19 pandemic is having immense impact on the international economy, the exhibition was a beacon on the latest fashion trends and design concepts in the local knitting industry.    

2021 ITC International Fashion Forum

The Fashion Design Gallery (Chair: Prof. Kinor Jiang) and the ITC Learning & Teaching Committee (Chair: Prof. Jason Choi) successfully held an International Fashion Forum on 30 March 2021. As an online format, the forum invited a broad range of audiences worldwide from the education and industry sectors. The facilitator Dr Eunsoo Baek, Assistant Professor of ITC, mentioned that the forum successfully fulfilled the aims of generating the public’s interest in issues of contemporary fashion and providing an educational platform for them to develop a global outlook and intercultural competence throughout the international exchanges of knowledge and opinions. Inviting three scholars in different fields, the interdisciplinary forum covered a hot topic titled “Digital Fashion and Virtuality in The Post-Covid Era” The detailed information of speakers and a brief about speech is provided below: "The cognitive-emotional design and Research of Retail Environments: Opportunities with Immersive Media” by So-Yeon Yoon, Associate Professor at Design and Environmental Analysis, Cornell University “Virtual Products as an Extension or a Presentation of My Body: Exploring Hedonic and Utilitarian Shopping Value in a Virtual Reality Retail Environment” by Seung Hwan (Mark) Lee, Director of Retail Management, Associate Professor, Ted Rogers School of Management, Ryerson University “Fashion Product Development in the Era of Digital Living” by Lushan (Sarina) Sun, Assistant Professor, ITC

PolyU – DRRC Novel Material Science and Technology Innovation Centre

On 24 March 2021, a hybrid live inauguration ceremony for the PolyU– DRRC Novel Material Science and Technology Innovation Centre was held at Four Seasons Hotel Guangzhou and via Zoom. The Centre is a partnership effort between PolyU and the Dehaa Rossun Research Centre  (DRRC). Prof. Shek addresses in-person audience at inauguration ceremony. The ceremony was officiated by Prof. Daniel Shek, Interim Vice President (Research and Innovation) of PolyU and Mr Gavin Zhou, CEO of the Lunaler Group. During his welcoming remarks, Prof. Shek expressed optimistic views towards the Centre: "I am delighted to witness the establishment of the PolyU– DRRC Novel Material Science and Technology Innovation Centre today. Since its inception in 1957, ITC has developed into a world renowned institution in fashion and textile education, research and technology transfer. Over the years, ITC has excelled in research and scholarship by taking full advantage of technology and innovation initiatives in Hong Kong and the Greater Bay Area. The partnership between DRRC and ITC will definitely lead to more impactful and innovative discoveries for sustainable industrial development." Prof. Jintu Fan - Centre Director and Head and Chair Professor of ITC addresses audience. Prof. Jintu Fan, Centre Director and Head and Chair Professor of ITC also explained that "The objectives of the Centre is to conduct research and develop cutting-edge technologies and related products for novel materials, health care products, functional care products and smart wearable products." He added, "We also aim to fast track the initiation of industry technology standards and transfer the developed technologies to the industries and benefit society." Dr Sa Xu, Associate Director of the Centre and Chief Scientist of DRRC at Four Seasons Hotel Guangzhou. Potential areas for collaboration include: Novel materials for health and comfort care Health care products for infants and the elderly Functional care products for women Smart wearable technology for health and comfort care Dr Tracy Mok, Associate Head and Associate Professor of ITC discusses computer-aided fashion intelligence. Dr Dahua Shou, Assistant Director of the Centre and Assistant Professor of ITC, provides introduction on  advanced textiles and smart wearables for personal comfort and care.