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The recently concluded Emerging Design Talents (EDT) proved to be yet another "must-visit" event in the heat of summer.

The 2023 edition, for the first time, was scheduled over eight weeks with exhibitions, fashion shows, image shows and more, creating an inviting atmosphere for the public to discover the potential of Hong Kong's emerging talents. This year, graduates of the Hong Kong Design Institute (HKDI) have applied their creativity, energy and passion in innovative projects, and successfully demonstrated how inclusion and acceptance could improve human life and promote social sustainability.

Positive impact through sustainable architecture

Few architectural renderings could trigger both the nostalgia for the city and a clear message of the importance of conserving built heritage like what LEUNG Hin-chun has done. The Higher Diploma in Architectural Design graduate said, "My goal in 'Root top' is to conserve Hong Kong's tenement buildings."
Leung was inspired by the rusting and wall cracking often seen on Tong Lau buildings. His design, therefore, featured a built-in grid system and a new exterior wall to share the loading of the root force. He added, "My project also includes an observatory to monitor rooftop plants. I believe this can sustain the life of old buildings." Youthful ideas and passion in architecture proves that nature and urban development can complement each other.

Modernising tradition to support local community

Graduates' commitment to support social sustainability were also evident in their attempts in the "Step In Style: Design for Community Competition", which was hosted by the Centre of Design Services and Solutions (CDSS) of HKDI.
The competition teamed up with five unique cultural and creative local businesses in the Sham Shui Po area and challenged students to connect with the community. Winning entries of this contest were shown at EDT, demonstrating how students applied their creativity to help participating businesses in rebranding, marketing and promotion.
The Team Gold Award went to the old-meets-new wooden fragrance box designed by Higher Diploma in Fashion Branding and Buying graduates CHAN Wai-ting, CHUI Wing-sze and TSE Wing-ting. "Sham Shui Po is a unique place. We want to modernise the brand and evoke people's appreciation of this special community," said the winning team.

Building inclusive communities in virtuality and reality

The connection with the community is further strengthened in another project shown at EDT.
"MetaDI" is an immersive interactive experience with virtual campus tours and games themed around HKDI designed by graduates from the Department of Communication Design. The team shared, "First-year students may be overwhelmed by the HKDI campus. That's why we built this metaverse platform to foster a stronger sense of belonging." Indeed, the public can also learn more about the campus through MetaDI.
Realising that not all sports are created to cater for people with different abilities, Higher Diploma in Product Design graduate MA Kwan-lam designed "Xsail". "This inflatable windsurfing equipment comes with a board that connects to a coach and a floating system. It can help beginners and visually impaired individuals enjoy the fun of windsurfing safely," said MA.

A tribute to cultures

Although 2023 graduates were born after 2000, their tributes to the golden era of Hong Kong film industry, their reflection on current affairs, and their reimagined fun with nostalgic games indicate a strong, cross-generation bond amongst Hong Kong people.
Twelve Higher Diploma in Film, Television and Photography graduates produced "A Moment" to pay tribute to "made-in-Hong Kong" films from the 1980s – 90s. "Memorable scenes from old films are fused with 3D surround sound effects. We want our audience to recall the golden era of Hong Kong cinema and reflect on the ups and downs of life," shared the team.
Another group of 11 graduates from the same programme collaborated with the project sponsor Centre of National History Education (Hong Kong) in a short, fictional film about Li Shizhen – an ancient herbalist, influencer and time traveller. Having stopped by the pandemic-stricken world in modern times, Li found his calling and was determined to return to ancient times and contribute to Chinese medicine. He worked hard and complied the "Compendium of Materia Medica", which ultimately saved the world.

Play is also a culture

We are all young at heart, and 18 graduates from the Department of Communication Design reminded us just that in the project "Play Culture". Inspired by classic games played with marbles and trading cards, the four reimagined games were innovated with contemporary thinking and design. The scientific ball game known as "Bumper Pig", for example, revitalised the traditional marble game with the edutaining principles of the collision theory. "We are grateful for the guidance of industry experts.
They helped us apply our knowledge in advertising design, illustration, visual arts and visual communication to the project," said the team.

Shows with a bang

As in previous editions of EDT, runway shows were eagerly anticipated by students, faculty, the industry and the public audience alike.
"The Revolutionary Image of The New Generation" followed an "Alice in Wonderland" theme, showcasing wearable artworks, revolutionary hair, makeup, fashion styles, and stage costumes with stunning effects. "New Fashion Force" lined up the 40 best graduate collections from the Higher Diploma in Fashion Design, revealing the latest trends in fashion design. "Starlight Show" was an innovative digital media showcase of films, animations and digital music projects created by Digital Media graduates.

Fashion collections that empower multiple cultures

Fashion items are often more than eye candies. In fact, many of them have inspiring stories to tell, as demonstrated in these thoughtful collections created by HKDI graduates.
Speaking about his "Maharlika" collection, Higher Diploma Fashion Design graduate MASE John Marcus Banday said, "This is my tribute to strong Filipino women and the feminist artist Georgia O'Keeffe. I want my wearers to feel royal and that their worth is not undermined."
The concepts of empowering and nobility were also manifested in "Queen". "I want to bring out everyone is worthy of love and should find beauty in their own ways," said Higher Diploma in Fashion Image Design graduate Ian TSUI.

Find out more about the ingenious fusion of traditional culture, innovative technology and a passion to embrace diversities amongst HKDI graduates from the dedicated EDT website: http://edt.hkdi.edu.hk/.