News

The Hong Kong Design Institute’s (HKDI) Emerging Design Talents 2024 is a highly anticipated event that will be held over nearly three months, from June to September, showcasing more than 650 works from graduating students across various disciplines. These fields of study include Architecture, Interior Design and Product Design, Communication Design, Digital Media and Fashion and Image Design. The fashion shows and design performances emphasise how emerging designers are blending technology creatively to bring positive change through a humancentric approach. This collaboration reshapes practices and leverages interdisciplinary teamwork. The Emerging Design Talents 2024 is not only a platform for displaying budding talents but also offers audiences a glimpse into the future of collaboration between design and technology.

Showcasing new fashion trends through wearable art pieces

The fashion and image show "The Revolutionary Image of the New Generation", under the theme "East Meets West X Norse Mythology". It shows the evolution of fashion trends through a series of wearable art pieces paired with creative make-up, hairstyles and image styling.

The annual fashion show "New Fashion Force" shows off the unique vision and latest trends in fashion design, featuring works from 32 graduates from the Fashion Design Higher Diploma programme. These pieces are a testament to the creativity and talent of the next generation of designers.

Blending traditional and contemporary art forms to inspire the next generation

While art forms can transcend boundaries and continually evolve with time, the pursuit of art remains constant. This creative spirit is reflected in the works of the Visual Arts and Culture Higher Diploma graduates. Combining traditional cloisonné enamel and rice paper flowers techniques with innovative presentation methods, the graduates have created compelling works such as the "Eternal" art piece. Inspired by traditional craftsmanship, this work preserves their unique materials and techniques and reflects their distinctiveness. It is a powerful method of showcasing traditional art forms to the younger generation.

The importance of feminist art inspiration in a modern world

The feminist art movement of the 1960s saw female artists raising awareness of inequality in the art world. Through their powerful creations, they encouraged women to focus on their physical and mental well-being.

Fashion Media Design Higher Diploma graduates were inspired by this movement and decided to collaborate with the fashion brand Charles & Keith to create a video titled "Revive. Reclaim. Rejuvenate.". This project blends ancient and modern elements to explore female charisma and remind modern women to prioritise their health and wellness amid busy schedules. This showcase allows the young designers to advocate for social justice and gender equality.

The intersection of Eastern and Western cultures

Hong Kong has been a continuously evolving melting pot of Eastern and Western cultures for centuries. HKDI’s young designers are deeply inspired by this cultural blending and incorporate multicultural elements into their designs. This has been expressed in the work of an Interior Design Higher Diploma graduate who created "The Meridians", a project inspired by traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) and themed on the seasonal effects of environmental changes on the body. This work integrates TCM services with public spaces, crafting an urban oasis that enlightens and inspires the new generation about this fascinating culture.

Meanwhile, Fashion Image Design Higher Diploma graduates have drawn inspiration from the art forms of Chinese ink wash painting and the Renaissance, blending Eastern and Western elements to create their work called "Rebirth & Relief". This work highlights the shared values of these two distinct artistic traditions, reflecting the spirit of continuous innovation of artistic traditions throughout history. It also demonstrates Hong Kong's unique cultural characteristics and the limitless creativity of young designers who merge Eastern and Western influences.

AI enters the campus to encourage innovation

Artificial intelligence (AI) is a prevailing trend. The HKDI is committed to innovation, bringing virtual production, AI and other leading technologies to the campus.

This year, graduates from the Arts Technology and the Animation and Visual Effects Higher Diploma programmes collaborated with Hong Kong film company mm2 Entertainment to create a story about monsters living in the city. The students used cutting-edge virtual production techniques for real-time filming.

An Architectural Design Higher Diploma graduate used AI to assist in modelling the project "Pure Drape", which is inspired by the birdwatching haven of Po Toi Island. It creates a space where one can safely engage in birdwatching activities while harmoniously coexisting with the environment.

These works showcase HKDI students' ability to harness the power of innovative technology, combining traditional culture with fresh ways of thinking. They have the ability to grasp industry trends while also skillfully using advanced technologies to infuse a blast of creative energy into Hong Kong.

Showcasing local culture through thoughtful symbolism

"Home Away From Home" is a project crafted by Visual Communication Higher Diploma graduate, Cheung Hiu Nam. His work is inspired by neon lights, street vendors and other cultural symbols and memories of Hong Kong. This blind box series embodies the concepts of "Taking Away" and "Feeling at Home"—emotions that help people feel the warmth of home regardless of their location. The blind box includes 3D cards and magnets featuring Hong Kong-style ceramic tile designs interspersed with memes and visual elements from classic Hong Kong films. These subtle details add a collectible touch to each piece.

Meanwhile, Yeung Cheuk Hin, a graduate of Diploma of Foundation Studies - Design explores the evolution of Hong Kong's comic culture in different eras through the book "Exploring Hong Kong Comics". Using the golden age of Hong Kong comics in the 1980s and 1990s as a backdrop, he uses simple, clear images and compositions. Accompanied by popular comics like "Tiger Shark" and "Old Master Q", he coaxes readers to reflect on this gradually declining culture.

These graduation works richly demonstrate HKDI students' understanding and interpretation of Hong Kong's unique culture. Through innovative design approaches, they share the value of local memories and cultural heritage.

Fashion with a social message

Art is life. Fashion Design Higher Diploma graduate Chan Lam Lynn expresses this philosophy through the work "What Exactly Do You See?", which shows how society often misjudges people. While those who do not conform to social norms are often misunderstood and labelled as outcasts or crazy, welldressed individuals engaging in immoral activities are frequently praised. The work satirises this social phenomenon, highlighting the ageold saying "appearances can be deceptive".

In a constantly changing world, the ability to innovate and create is an essential ingredient for a healthy future. Viewing traditional concepts from new perspectives can bring new insights and creativities. Costume Design for Performance Higher Diploma graduate, Cheung Ka Yee, takes inspiration from Jörmungandr, a mythical snake in Norse mythology. They designed stage costumes featuring the fusion of snakes, dragons and seaworms with 3D printing technology.

This fresh perspective on Norse mythology reshapes the public's perception of ancient myths with dynamic graphic projections. A mysterious, solemn and techinfused stage effect is one of the highlights of this performance. All in all, these works fully demonstrate students' in-depth understanding and creative interpretation of both contemporary issues and enduring cultural values.