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Eight HKDI alumni and recent graduates clinched half of the 16 accolades of the DFA Hong Kong Young Designer Award 2022. Their distinguished and ground-breaking accomplishments are certainly the pride of the leading provider of design education in the region.

Theo Chan Kwun Hop, Fashion Designer, Design Graduates Awardee - CreateSmart Young Design Talent Special Award 2022

Theo is a recent HKDI graduate who earned his Higher Diploma in Fashion Design and received the HKDI & IVE Student's Union Outstanding Leadership Scholarship. He is particularly fascinated by handicrafts such as beading, embroidery, and hand knits. His hand-knitted collection "Mysterious Soul" was shortlisted in the 2021 Hong Kong Young Fashion Designers' Contest organised by Hong Kong Trade Development Council. He plans to work in fashion companies in France and Britain to study their surreal aesthetics, exaggerated artistic formats, and innovation in fashion handicrafts.

Lorraine Cheung Hoi Ning, Fashion Designer, Design Graduates Awardee - CreateSmart Young Design Talent Special Award 2022

Lorraine graduated from HKDI with a Higher Diploma in Fashion Design this year. During her teenage years, she was intrigued by painting. The therapeutic activity kept her focused. She found a great sense of achievement in completing her fashion design project. Lorraine believes techniques like pattern-making and traditional handicrafts are the utmost importance in fashion design. She plans to continue her studies overseas and develop a solid foundation and expertise.

Cowon Yeung Wing Ting, Fashion Designer, Design Graduates Awardee - CreateSmart Young Design Talent Special Award 2022

Cowon earned her HKDI Higher Diploma in Fashion Design in 2022. Her inspiration comes from everyday life and art. She dreams of establishing her own design studio one day but plans to work for fashion companies in Tokyo and Paris first, where their avant-garde style and particular design aesthetics appeal to her most.

Cherry Ng Tsz Kwan, Fashion Designer, Design Graduates Awardee - CreateSmart Young Design Talent Special Award 2022

Cherry received her HKDI Higher Diploma in Fashion Design in 2019 before pursuing and recently completing the BA (Hons) in Fashion Design at Nottingham Trent University (VTC SHAPE).

Lasting impact in various design fronts

Fashion is not the only strength of HKDI students. As illustrated by other YDTA awardees, the only limit is the sky when it comes to excelling in the diverse specialisms in design.

Toki Wong To Ki, Fashion Designer, Design Graduates Awardee - CreateSmart Young Design Talent Special Award 2022

"Fashion shouldn't be unattainable or out of reach, but accessible and down-to-earth. It should be wearable, about everyday life, about you and me. And being serious in every design means designing for sustainability." Toki graduated with HKDI's Higher Diploma in Knitwear Design and Development in 2013 before obtaining his BA (Honours) in Fashion (Knitwear Design & Technology) from the Hong Kong Polytechnic University in 2015. He launched "Kowloon City Boy" in 2021 after working in a fashion sourcing company. Versatility, bold colours and knitwear are Toki's signature. His designs display creativity, humour and ingenuity. One could identify current social issues, and a Hong Kong male image that is whimsical, honest and down-to-earth through his works. Toki wants to craft an influential local brand that is casual, droll, and fun. The brand will tap into the global market as he develops solid marketing and retail experience.

Cheung Ho Yan, Freelancer, Design Practitioners Awardee - CreateSmart Young Design Talent Award 2022

"Commercial design has a great influence on our daily life. Good design comes from understanding its relationship with the user and striking a balance between aesthetics and practicality." Yan, a graduate of HKDI's Higher Diploma in Graphic Information Design is passionate about eastern culture and is particularly inspired by designs from Japan. She hopes to open her own studio and focus on branding and cultural artwork. She is planning to work in Japan to seek inspiration, get updated on the latest design technology and to develop her personal style.

Rolland Cheung Wui Hei, Founder, AGAPE Design, Design Practitioners Awardee - CreateSmart Young Design Talent Award 2022

After receiving a Foundation Diploma in Design Studies at IVE in 2011 and a Higher Diploma in Interior Design from HKDI in 2014, Rolland worked in interior design and architecture before completing his BA (Honours) in Interior Architecture at Middlesex University London (HKU SPACE) in 2018.
Also, in 2018, Cheung founded AGAPE Design, the first resin art design studio and brand in Hong Kong. He hopes to work on large-scale projects and to further develop his skills in resin art, applying his imaginative techniques to interior, product, and spatial design.

Alize Lam Yeuk Hei, Founder, In Wonderland Co., Design Practitioners Awardee - CreateSmart Young Design Talent Award 2022

After earning her Higher Diploma in Fashion Design from Hong Kong Design Institute and BA (Honours) in Fashion Design at Nottingham Trent University (VTC SHAPE) in 2009, Alize has been working in the fashion industry, first as a designer, and later in marketing. The change initiator teamed up with St. James' Settlement in 2016 and began running DIY musical instrument workshops. In 2020, she founded the upcycling studio In Wonderland Co. to design self-assembly kits to connect customers with products and show how to integrate sustainability into daily life. Alize wants to learn more about the mechanics behind kinetic toys and musical instruments, which will be invaluable for her product designs.

About DFA Hong Kong Young Design Talent Award
Established in 2005, DFA Hong Kong Young Design Talent Award aims to nurture aspiring design practitioners and design graduates aged 18-35 and recognises promising Hong Kong young design talent, serving to maintain the city's competitiveness and fortify its role as a design hub in Asia. Some YDTA awardees will receive a total grant of up to HK$500,000 to work or study abroad. The practical experiences and global vision acquired will be a strong booster for their careers, through which awardees will better contribute to the future of Hong Kong's creative industries.