Programmes

Wilson Choi

Graduate of Higher Diploma in Fashion Design 

After graduating from Higher Diploma in Fashion Design in 2016, Wilson Choi completed a top-up degree of BA (Hons) Fashion Design at Nottingham Trent University. Wilson has always enjoyed challenges and has participated in numerous competitions since secondary school. When he was in Secondary Four, he won the Champion in a fashion design competition. The sense of achievement led the decision of choosing fashion as his career. 

Being one of the elite students of HKDI in 2016, he was rewarded a study scholarship to UK and Sweden, during which he attended a 3-day smart textiles workshop at Boras University. Applying the fashion technology skills he learnt from the trips, his fashion collection “2/3” adopted a seamless design and fabric with a special coating. The coat is tailored with different inflatable sections to support injured body parts. This heart-warming design won him unanimous commendation from the judges and earned him the CreateSmart Young Design Talent Special Award at DFA Hong Kong Young Design Talent Awards 2016, winning HK$250,000 in sponsorship for overseas attachment in a renowned fashion company in Germany.

In 2017, he achieved 2^nd Runner-up at Hong Kong Young Fashion Designers’ Contest (YDC) with his collection using the latest seamless design and ultrasonic sewing technology, reflecting his pursuit of high-tech fashion. It gave him the opportunity to collaborate with MINI in 2018, to create a special windbreaker reflecting the design of the latest MINI models, with the proceeds going to charity.

Wilson’s menswear label “REDEMPTIVE” was founded in 2018 and he unveiled the latest SS19 collections in a FASHIONALLY show at CENTRESTAGE 2018.

Nam Tsang & Pauline Yuen

Graduate of Higher Diploma in Fashion Design and Development

Nam Tsang and Pauline Yuen graduated from HKDI with a Higher Diploma in Fashion Design and Development in 2008 and 2009 respectively. Both of them completed the top-up degree BA (Hons) Fashion Design at Nottingham Trent University thereafter.

After several years of working at fashion companies and travelling around Europe, Nam and Pauline shared the fashion philosophy to sustain traditional craftsmanship. To explore the artistic handicraft elements, innovative forms and silhouettes, they established their own fashion team A Tentative Atelier in 2012. Having presented at Paris Fashion Week since 2013, each of their collection portrays a contemporary sense of luxury with a unisex, timeless look. A Tentative Atelier clothing is crafted from lavish, natural fabrics to maintain a raw and ageless quality. Suitable for both masculine and feminine wardrobes, each piece is characterised by a sophisticated and easy to style wearability. Collaborating with different boutiques in over 10 countries, their collection is now retailed at Layers (UK), IF New York (USA), H Lorenzo (USA), KOKKO (Canada), OUKAN (Germany), LEFORM (Russia) and ink (Hong Kong) etc.

In 2014, Pauline clinched an Italy Vogue Talent Award with a scholarship to study a master’sprogramme at Domus Academy in Italy. In 2015, Nam won the Perspective 40 under 40 Design Award. Both awards recognised their outstanding effort and significant progression in their fashion design journey.

Chan King Hei, Calvin

Graduate of Higher Diploma in Fashion Design and Product Development

Calvin graduated from HKDI in 2011 and showed passion for Fashion Design at an early age. Having won various fashion design competitions during and after his study, Calvin was awarded the CreateSmart Young Design Talent Award in 2015 with his own fashion brand for men.

Calvin is a forward-thinking and independent fashion designer whose specialization lies in Knitwear and Menswear Design. He launched his own menswear label, The World Is Your Oyster, soon after graduation. His brand aims to provide essential style and quality for the gentlemen of the new generation. It embraces the characteristics of formal tailoring with a touch of street wear elements.

The distinct aesthetic and unexpected modern twist in his work is widely applauded. His collection is now sold in Hong Kong, Taiwan, China and Italy. In 2014, JOYCE selected Calvin as one of the most promising Hong Kong designers in a Talent Shop Programme, selling The World Is Your Oyster clothing in the PMQ pop-up store and inviting Calvin to design S/S 15 uniform for Joyce’s Asia team. Calvin was also selected as a Finalist to showcase his SS16 collection during New York Fashion Week as part of Fashion Guerrilla New York organized by the Fashion Farm Foundation.

Tsui Yat Sing, Angus

Graduate of Fashion Design and Development

“Fashion is about being avant-grade, chic and original – but it is also about protecting the environment.”

Angus graduated with a Higher Diploma in Fashion Design and Development in 2013. His budding fashion design talent was brought to a different level at HKDI where he developed a variety of new skills in design, pattern cutting, garment sewing and communications, providing him with all the tools to succeed as a fashion design professional.

When Angus discovered that traditional fashion industry could cause environmental pollution, he chose to become a sustainable fashion designer. He entered several sustainable fashion design competitions and participated in a cultural trip to London Fashion Week to find out more about sustainable fashion design techniques such as Zero Waste and Upcycling. He was also invited by Friends of the Earth to present a workshop on how to upcycle jeans and trousers.

Angus won numerous design competitions, local and international, including the EcoChic People’s Award Hong Kong 2012, Overall Winner of Hong Kong Design Institute FID Fashion Show 2013, Conscious Fashion Competition 2013, Design Student of the Year 2013 and Young Design Talent Special Mention Award in the Hong Kong Young Design Talent Award 2013. He was also awarded the HKSAR Government Scholarship 2013 as well as Li Po Chun Charitable Trust Fund Overseas Postgraduate Study and Professional Training Scholarship 2013 for academic excellence.

Angus is now studying for a BA (Hons) Fashion Design at Nottingham Trent University. He plans to launch his own sustainable fashion design label and showcasing his work in London Fashion Week at Estethica.

Sin Mei Yuk, Aries

Graduate of Fashion Design

"Persistence and focus on your goal are the keys to success in your design career."

Aries graduated with a Higher Diploma in Fashion Design and Product Development in 2008. She first heard about the HKDI when she was a F5 student and two years after taking the A-Level examination she decided to study here. “HKDI graduates are preferred by employers when compared with other tertiary institutions as the courses offered are renowned in Hong Kong for being practical and comprehensive.”

Aries’ talent in fashion design was nurtured during her time at HKDI and she developed quickly. Apart from scholarship, she also gained an opportunity to work on placement for a month at PeclersParis, a distinguished trend, style and innovation-consulting agency. “It was a valuable experience for me and inspired me to establish my own local fashion company.” In addition to the opportunity to share experiences with mentors, guidance from her teachers and the practical curriculum at HKDI strengthened Aries’ knowledge of fashion design and the fashion industry.

Aries was fortunate to create her own business one year after she graduated. Her fashion company MODE CREATION LIMITED and her designer label MODEMENT have been built on the motto, “It’s time for fashion”. “It is not easy to run a company. We have four staff so far and focus on ready-to-wear and couture. We have just entered the Mainland market.” As a designer, Aries remains active in open competitions, and has received the Young Design Talent Special Mention Award and was a finalist in the Hong Kong Young Fashion Designers’ Contest 2013.

Wong Lai Yu, Gim

Graduate of Fashion Design

Gim Wong graduated from Higher Diploma in Fashion Design in 2016, and then completed a top-up degree of BA (Hons) Fashion Design at Nottingham Trent University. Gim’s grandpa would make clothes using traditional sewing machines at home when she was a child, which gave her the first glimpse of fashion and textiles. Later, she found her passion in fashion design.

At HKDI, her passion and talent in fashion design helped her become Elite Student of HKDI, giving her sponsored opportunities to learn about fashion in the UK and Sweden. After returning to Hong Kong, she applied what she had learnt to her final-year project named Backpacker. Her design can be turned into a cardigan or a backpack. Made of waterproof nylon and cold-resistant wool, it takes the shape of a map, jointed by zippers. Aside from being practical, the design embodies the spirit of a backpacker. The product is made using a single piece of fabric without seams, resulting in zero waste.

In 2016, Gim won the 2nd Runner-up and the Best Footwear & Accessories Design Award in the Hong Kong Young Fashion Designers' Contest, giving her a chance to sell her winning limited edition collection at i.t. shop. The CreateSmart Young Design Talent Special Award 2016 gave her HK$250,000 in sponsorship for an industrial attachment towards gaining international exposure in the world of design. 

Sarah Lam

Graduate of Fashion Design and Product Development

"You can develop and do well in the field that interests you."

Sarah’s interest in design, especially its fashion aspects, began with the experience of undertaking various design assignments during her secondary school days. Afterwards, she deepened her understanding of the fashion world through her studies at the HKDI. Sarah enjoyed her time there. As she puts it: “Studying at the HKDI is inspiring, because the tutors often invite industry experts and arrange seminars and visits to increase our knowledge.” However, the things she appreciated most of all were the coaching and guidance her tutors gave her whilst she was undertaking assignments and competition pieces.

During her final year in HKDI, Sarah flew to Milan to participate in the REMIX International Fur Design Competition for the first time… and she clinched the Gold Prize in the face of opposition from many competitors from around the world. Although the experience astounded Sarah, it hasn’t made her big-headed. “It was just one step on my learning curve. I still need to work hard to realise my dream.” Perhaps Sarah’s humility and desire to learn are also contributing to her success.

After graduation, she joined a renowned fashion company VIVIENNE TAM, which produces, designs and markets women's contemporary apparel distributed worldwide. As an assistant Fashion Designer, she enriched her skills and knowledges in fashion trend, fashion illustration, sourcing, production, business operation and etc, when working with the leading fashion designer Vivienne Tam. Now, she is the Fashion Designer at Fashion company Toppy Group, which houses Hong Kong homegrown brands EPISODE and JESSICA and has over 200 outlets worldwide, including Hong Kong, China, Taiwan, Thailand, Macau, Singapore and Philippines.

Wan Ka Hang, Kelvin & Wong King Yi, Joyce

Graduates of Fashion Design and Product Development

“Be sustainable for your life, for tomorrow and future. Committed to making a positive impact!”

Kelvin Wan and Joyce Wong graduated from HKDI with a Higher Diploma in Fashion Design and Development in 2013. They have a strong passion in fashion design and continued their study at Nottingham Trent University thereafter.

Kelvin is an independent fashion designer best known for his unexpected combination of colours, patterns and forms. In 2012, Kelvin won the “Most Promising Student Award” at the Eco-Chic Design Award, a fashion design competition for Asia’s emerging design talent organised by Redress, a Hong Kong-based charity organisation that drives environmental sustainability in the fashion industry. His work has been reported by various magazines and media and his design pieces have been exhibited in Paris, London and Shanghai.

Joyce is a fashion designer best known for her strong sense of aesthetics. At the age of 19, she has already entered the fashion industry with her first collection and consistently collaborating with different brands. Joyce has also worked with Yan Gent Cheng, a British-based Fashion designer, to present the label.

In 2013, Joyce and Kelvin started their sustainable fashion business and set up their own brand “Wan & Wong”. The objective of Wan & Wong is to create a sustainable future. The philosophy of their collection is minimalism, characterised by clean cuts, sharp lines, soft colours and unique silhouettes with a modern touch, using sustainable production techniques of up-cycling, zero-waste and reconstruction. Their collection were showcased and sold at the “Joyce Talent Shop” at PMQ sponsored by Joyce Cares from August to October 2014.

Martin So

Graduate of Fashion Design

"Don't think being young means you can't achieve great things…embrace your youthfulness and be confident about everything you do."

Martin So believes young people should have confidence, set a target and achieve their dream, but once thought of himself only as a football maniac.

Now he is about to begin his career as a talented Fashion Designer.

Martin won many awards including the YIC Young Design Talent Award which included HK$250,000 to study overseas. Following a degree from the Nottingham Trent University, he went on to study MA in Fashion Artefacts at the London College of Fashion, and is now busy fulfilling his dream.

Koyo William

Founder and Creative Director, KOYO JEANS
Graduate of Clothing (Pattern Design and Making)

"You need to let fashion pull you more deeply into your life. Being a fashion designer is like a runway show; once you start, you need to be ready to do it forever!"

The study of fashion created a strong foundation for Koyo's career development. While Koyo was still a design student, he started working in garment wholesale and familiarising himself with the industry. His courage and knowledge of the market helped him to push through with the setting-up of his first retail store in a local mall in the late 1990s. After several years of exploration and experimentation, Koyo established his international fashion brand KOYO JEANS in 2005. His dedication led to the successful launch of the brand in a flagship store in Paris in 2001 and it is now sold in over 50 outlets worldwide.

Alongside his highly successful career, Koyo also enjoys nurturing young designers through a range of collaborative projects with design institutes. The contemporary fashion and accessories collection from Miao's culture and sustainable design is the result of recent collaboration with the Department of Fashion and Image Design at the HKDI.

AU Kam Shun, Marcus

Higher Diploma in Fashion Branding and Promotion, Graduated in 2011

After graduated from HKDI, Macus Au finished BA (Hons) International Fashion Business of Nottingham Trent University. He is now working as Assistant Supervisor of a Italian fashion brand.