The 14th annual Redress Design Awards, held during the Centrestage Hong Kong trade show, showcased the innovative work of emerging fashion designers committed to sustainable practices. Despite the postponement due to Typhoon Yagi, the event drew a significant crowd eager to witness the finalists' collections.
Tiger Chung takes home top honors
Hong Kong designer Tiger Chung emerged as the winner of the First Prize and the Hong Kong Best award. Her collection, "The Wanderer," inspired by the lifestyle of "street wanderers," addressed social disparities and utilized upcycled materials from discarded items. Chung's dedication to circular design impressed the judges and earned her a development fund and the opportunity to work on a sustainable design project with Tommy Hilfiger.
Other notable winners
Tian Ruyin from Shanghai received the Runner-Up Award for her collection "Strip Strap Stripe," inspired by her grandmother's Alzheimer's disease. Her designs, made from organic cotton and recycled fibres, reflected a marine aesthetic and explored the concept of memory through cuts and folds.
Silvia Acien Parrilla, a UK-based designer, won the People's Choice Award for her collection "Regenerative Folklore," which incorporated organic fibres and traditional Spanish materials. Parrilla's designs celebrated her cultural heritage and promoted sustainable practices through the use of plant-based dyes.
Judges' perspective
The judges faced a difficult task in selecting the winners, as the finalists demonstrated exceptional talent and creativity. Jessia Wei, senior director of sustainability for Tommy Hilfiger Asia Pacific, emphasized the importance of designers who challenge the status quo and inspire others through their work. She praised the winner's ability to tell a compelling story through their designs.
Redress's Mission
Redress, a non-profit organization, has been at the forefront of the sustainable fashion movement for 14 years. Founder Christina Dean highlighted the challenges and opportunities presented by the evolving landscape of sustainability. She aptly quoted, “Waste is a resource, waste is not waste unless wasted.” She emphasized Redress's commitment to educating and inspiring designers and consumers to adopt circular practices.
Supporting emerging designers
Redress provides valuable support to its alumni through collaborative projects and community involvement. Dean emphasized the need for the fashion industry to offer more support to emerging designers, particularly in terms of business development.
Looking ahead
As the sustainable fashion industry continues to grow, Redress remains dedicated to its mission of promoting circular design and supporting emerging designers. By fostering innovation and education, Redress is playing a vital role in shaping a more sustainable future for the fashion industry.
