8 January 2016

“Light Infinity” Hong Kong Fur Design Competition 2016

The New Light of Fur Fashion

The Hong Kong Fur Federation (HKFF) has been committed to the pursuit of design excellence by strengthening Hong Kong's reputation as the international fur production hub and exporter and fostering closer collaboration among industry players. Through the annual “Hong Kong Fur Design Competition” presented by the Young Executive Committee (YEC) of HKFF, young design talents are identified and encouraged to deepen their understanding of the field’s latest developments and trends, while seizing the invaluable opportunity to realise their dreams.

The “Hong Kong Fur Design Competition 2016” was held at the Ballroom of the InterContinental Hong Kong on 8 January and saw the glamourous presence of local celebrities and acclaimed designers eager to applaud the most electrifying fur creations. Ms. Marie Zhuge, Ms. Grace Chan, Miss Hong Kong 2013, and Mrs. Harriet W. Tung were invited to join the judging panel, while other attending guests included: Ms. Sisley Choi, Ms. Rose Chan, Ms. Katy Kung, Ms. Denise Lam, Mr. Andy Wong, Mr. Brandon Chau, Ms. Veronica Lam, Mr & Mrs Ryan Sun, Mr. Howard Chao, Mr & Mrs Simon Wong, Ms. Helen Rong, Ms. Kathy Chiu, Mr. Davis Chan, Mrs. Angel Chan & daughter Miss Laverna Chan, Ms. Winnie Fung and husband Mr. Renny Yip, Ms. Bobo Li, Ms. Jessica Yuan, Ms. Gretchen Ng, Mrs. Lucy Yang & her son Mr. Charles Yang, Mr. & Mrs. Leslie Tang, Ms. Maria Wu & daughter Miss Valerie Teh, Mr. Wesley Wan & Ms. Doyie Lok, Mr. & Mrs. Matthew Chan, Mr. & Mrs. Newman Tsang and more.

The exciting contest received enthusiastic responses this year with a total of 486 submissions, of which 19 entries from the “Full Fur Category” and 11 from the “Fur Combination Category” were shortlisted to vie for seven honours, including the “Best Sketch Award” and the “Commercial Award”. The last two months also saw the shortlisted designers work closely with the HKFF members in bringing their remarkable designs to life.

This year’s judging panel also comprised Mr. Jari Sinkari, Consul-General of the Consulate General of Finland in the HKSAR, Ms. Paola Guida, Trade Commissioner of Italian Trade Commission in the HKSAR, Mr. Thomas Wong, Asia Region Chairman of International Fur Federation, Mr. Benjamin Chau, Deputy Executive Director of the Hong Kong Trade Development Council and Ms. Hidy Ng, renowned fashion designer. Winners of both categories were recognized for the originality and creativity, commercial value and marketability, workmanship, application of fur materials, and overall design concept of their collections. The “Best Sketch Award” recipient was voted by the netizens on the designated Facebook fan page, while the winner of the “Commercial Award” was selected by the furriers invited by YEC.

The spectacular show under the theme “Light Infinity” featured a three-scene presentation of the competing entries illuminated by the magnificent lighting. The curtain was raised by the colourful and dynamic “Flash-Lights” that showcased the casual yet sophisticated looks, followed by “Exquisite-Illuminations” that epitomised avant-garde originality with the sleek and refined silhouettes. The sensational showdown culminated in “Flamboyant Shine” where glamorous dresses adorned with fur shone on the grand stage.

The highly anticipated annual highlight “Designers Love Fur” collection jointly presented with the Hong Kong Fashion Designers Association further ignited the mood. This year, seven local designers, including Ms. Bonita Cheung, Ms. Lu Lu Cheung, Mr. Henry Lau, Mr. Walter Ma, Ms. Hidy Ng, Mr. Harrison Wong and Mr. Benny Yeung, were invited to join hands with the HKFF members to present their ingenious masterpieces.

“We have been inspiring creativity by leading the craftsmanship and technological innovation, and helped establish Hong Kong as the world’s leading exporter of premium fur apparel. I hope that the competition can provide a stage for aspiring young designers to shine and flaunt their creativity. I believe that it will help promote the development of local industry and allow the public to better understand the operation, material selection and impeccable craftsmanship of our trade, consolidating our role as the leading hub and exporter of high quality furs further. It is encouraging to see that many family fur businesses have been taken over by the second or third generation, creating new blood for the healthy growth of the industry,” said Mr. Henry Sun, Chairman of HKFF.

Mr. Johnny Lau, Chairman of YEC, noted “YEC has been nurturing young designers with vision, creativity and leadership through a diversified culture of excellence. I am pleased to see that the competition continues to garner wide attention this year and bring new energy to the fur industry while making the dreams of young talents come true. The impressive entries this year are the best testimony to our relentless efforts in promoting local designs.”

Special thanks to the Hong Kong Fashion Designers Association for its support for the “Designers Love Fur” project.

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