News

The legendary Sir Paul Smith inspires SFT students and staff

SFT was honoured to host an inspiring talk by renowned British fashion designer Sir Paul Smith on 3 October. The event was held on PolyU campus, and attracted nearly 300 students, faculty members, and alumni. Sir Paul Smith, known for his distinctive designs and unique approach to fashion, captivated the audience with his engaging storytelling and wealth of experience. The talk centred around his illustrious career, creative process, and the evolving landscape of the fashion industry. During his sharing session, Sir Paul shared anecdotes from his early days as a young designer, and emphasised the importance of perseverance, passion, and embracing individuality. He reflected on how he built his eponymous brand from humble beginnings, and highlighted the challenges that he faced and lessons learned along the way. He also shared the significance of creativity and inspiration, and the need for designers to embrace innovative ideas and practical designs. His insights resonated deeply with the audience. The talk concluded with a captivating Q&A session, during which the students had the opportunity to engage directly with Sir Paul. The event was a resounding success. Prof. Erin Cho, Dean of SFT, expressed her gratitude to Sir Paul for sharing his wisdom and experiences with the PolyU community. She stated, "Sir Paul Smith's visit has been truly inspiring for our students. His creative vision and passion for fashion will undoubtedly motivate our students throughout their design journey.”

Prof. Li Li ignites knowledge sharing and growth

Prof. Li Li, Associate Director of PolyU PAIR, and Director of the CR-PolyU Joint Research Institute for Carbon Neutral New Materials, hosted four research seminars over the past few months with the goal of igniting interdisciplinary dialogue and stimulating new ideas. The research seminars exposed the PolyU community to a wide range of knowledge that ranged from materials science and AI to textiles in architecture. Among the seminars, Prof. Gang Sun of the University of California, Davis spoke about “Applied textile chemistry: development of functional materials for improved personal protection and safety”; Prof. Xianyi Zeng of ENSAIT Textile Engineer School – University of Lille talked about “Fashion digitalization: creating a Metaverse ecosystem for supporting textile/fashion design by combining digital simulation and AI-based human-product interactions”; Prof. Minehiro Nishiyama of Kyoto University elaborated on “Low-carbon concrete-material, mechanical properties, structural design, construction, and demolition of buildings”; and Ms Kumiko Enya of the Kumiko Enya First-Class Architect Office described the “Design and construction of "Chashitsu" and "Ryouriya" in Kyoto - a portable room for tea ceremonies and an authentic Japanese restaurant”. Scholars of different backgrounds connected their expertise with textiles and fostered cross-disciplinary sharing, which inspired the participants to think more diversely, flexibly, and innovatively. These seminars that involve different fields of knowledge provide SFT students and colleagues with a platform to exchange knowledge with experts, increase their  knowledge base and stimulate their creativity.

Dr Dahua Shou awarded Green Tech Fund for sustainable building clothing project

Congratulations to Dr Shou Dahua, Limin Endowed Young Scholar in Advanced Textiles Technologies and Assistant Professor whose project, titled “Development of Multi-Functional “Building Clothing” using Textile Waste for Energy Saving and Waste Reduction”, has been awarded the Green Tech Fund (GTF). The global fashion and textile industry, valued at an estimated US$2.5 trillion, is responsible for 1.7 billion tonnes of CO2 emitted annually, which is equivalent to almost 10% of all greenhouse gas emissions. The environmental crisis is further worsened by the fact that over 85% of discarded textiles are simply sent to landfills or incinerated. In Hong Kong alone, an average of 392 tonnes of textile waste is sent to the landfills daily, with just 0.4% of textiles being recovered for recycling. Dr Shou aims to create multi-functional, value-added "building clothing" (BC) from textile waste to contribute to reducing the global carbon footprint. Textile waste, which often consists of blended yarns, is difficult to recycle due to the challenges and high cost of sorting, depolymerisation, and dissolution. As such, textile waste which is most difficult to reuse but intrinsically durable and thermally-resistant, will be collected and used in Dr Shou’s project to develop a sustainable building envelope for thermal insulation and radiative cooling through a mass production method. Leveraging photon engineering, a nature-inspired design, and heat transfer optimisation, the proposed BC will excel in managing building temperatures. In addition to minimisation of thermal conductivity, the textile-reinforced hierarchical microstructure and colourants will selectively reflect solar heat, including visible light (VIS) and near-infrared (NIR) light, and emit thermal radiation in the long-wave infrared (LWIR) spectrum. Furthermore, BC effectively repels water and dirt on surfaces, thus ensuring a consistent and robust performance. The reuse of textile waste as thermal insulation for sustainable buildings is an effective green technology that synergistically combines the two crucial components of achieving carbon neutrality in Hong Kong: recycling textile waste and saving on building energy consumption. In Hong Kong, buildings are responsible for 90% of energy consumption and over 60% of carbon emissions. The use of a thermoregulative BC can reduce energy consumption of heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems, which account for 36% of the energy utilised in most households. This multi-functional BC, enhanced with multi-colour aesthetics, is both highly durable and lightweight, as well as flame-resistant, so that the material is compatible with a variety of settings or products, such as residential and industrial buildings, village and stilt houses, substations and container apartments, or curtains, canopies and tents, respectively. Green Tech Fund (GTF) The GTF was established in 2020 to provide funding support to research and development projects that can help Hong Kong decarbonise and enhance environmental protection. The assessment committee is chaired by the Director of Environmental Protection and comprises members from the academia, industry and green groups.

MA in Global Fashion Management programme hosts welcoming reception

On 29 Aug, the MA in Global Fashion Management (GFM) hosted an unforgettable welcoming reception, which marked the beginning of an exciting new chapter after the programme revamp. The event brought together an impressive gathering of over 100 attendees, including industry partners, alumni, fresh cohorts of students, and esteemed staff members. It was a night filled with camaraderie where a global community came together to celebrate the essence of fashion – creativity, diversity, and unwavering passion. The reception commenced with a warm welcome from Prof. Erin Cho, the Dean of SFT. Prof. Cho extended her heartfelt greetings to all guests, which set a positive and inclusive tone for the evening. Following her remarks, Dr Wing-sun Liu, the MA programme leader, took the stage to welcome the new MA students. He expressed his deep appreciation to the industry partners, alumni, and staff members for their invaluable support and gracing the event with their presence. About MA in Global Fashion Management The MA in Global Fashion Management programme strives to cultivate fashion professionals and entrepreneurs who possess exceptional leadership skills and a high level of professional competence to navigate the ever-evolving global fashion and creative industries. The GFM greatly emphasises global fashion strategic management and entrepreneurship, which offer students insights into the industry's best managerial practices and innovative business solutions.

Hyundai Department Store Duty Free strategic partnership with SFT

SFT is pleased to announce an innovative research partnership with Hyundai Department Store Duty Free (HDDFS), a duty-free brand under the Hyundai Department Store Group, boasting a rich 50-year history of experience in the field of distribution and a respected travel retailer based in Seoul, Korea. The research expertise of Dr Chloe Ki, Dr Magnum Lam, and Prof. Christina Wong in fashion business sparked the interest of the HDDFS, which has graciously offered to support and fund this esteemed team. The primary objective of this collaboration is to thoroughly explore the nuances of the duty-free shopping market for travel retail. Duty-free shopping is a unique retail landscape that involves the convergence of retailers, travellers (consumers), and governmental entities of different nations. The multifaceted, dynamic nature of the travel retail industry has led to this initiative which will involve a strategic analysis of country-specific policies, competitive environments, and consumer trends within different countries. This collaboration testifies to the reputation of both the team and SFT for industry-focused and practice-based research, and has the potential for a meaningful impact on the retail landscape.

Huang Gang is Best Menswear Designer at 2023 China Fashion Award

Huang Gang, a graduating student from the MA Fashion and Textiles programme with specialisation in Fashion Merchandising, has been named Best Menswear Designer at the 27th China Fashion Award of China Fashion Week in Beijing. A number of very talented individuals gathered at the award ceremony on 16 September 2023 to crown the cream of the crop. Huang Gang is recognised as one of China's top ten fashion designers, and serves as the Creative Director and Founder of Shenzhen Yuanzhenzhi Intelligent Technology Co. Ltd. Additionally, he holds the position of Secretary General in the fancy yarn and coloured yarn division of the China Knitting Industry Association. Under Huang Gang's leadership, the sustainable street fashion brand LANG KUN has gained a high degree of prominence. In March, he unveiled his latest collection titled Continuation of Culture: Chinese Dyeing.  His designs beautifully integrated cultural elements, showcasing the intricate relationship between dyeing and weaving while capturing the essence of Chinese heritage. The brand strongly advocates for sustainable fashion design by prioritising plant dyeing, utilising certified Global Organic Textile Standards (GOTS) and Global Recycled Standards (GRS) yarn, incorporating bio-based materials, and using cutting-edge 3D printing knitting technology on a global scale.

SFT funded students experience Tokyo's fashion and art firsthand

Six SFT students recently travelled to Tokyo and had the opportunity to immerse themselves in Tokyo's vibrant fashion and art scene. This unique experience was a prize for the winners of the Sustainable Future Challenge Competition, a collaborative venture between SFT and UNIQLO. FR2: A Glimpse into Tokyo's Trendsetting Fashion The journey started in the heart of Tokyo's fashion district, Harajuku, where the students visited the two flagship stores of FR2, Tokyo's iconic streetwear brand. The Yellow store, known for its lively and dynamic atmosphere, contrasted beautifully with the feminine and whimsical ambiance of the Pink store. The educational highlight was an interactive session with the FR2 store manager who shared information on the brand's rich history, philosophy, and sources of inspiration. This gave the students a comprehensive understanding of what makes one of Tokyo's most iconic fashion brands tick. Contemporary Art at the Mori Art Museum Apart from fashion, Tokyo's art scene was another focal point of the trip. The students visited the "World Classroom: Contemporary Art Through School Subjects" exhibition at the Mori Art Museum. This experience allowed them to witness how Tokyo's contemporary artists connect history with different fields to explore the mysteries of existence. One student reflected, “Seeing the modern artists' approach to linking history and various disciplines was truly eye-opening." Experiencing Tokyo Beyond the Classroom Aside from the structured visits, the students were given the freedom to explore Tokyo's urban marvels. During the day, they wandered through Harajuku's unique fashion shops, and at night, they experienced the lively vibes of Shibuya and Omotesando. Dr Di Fan and Dr Magnum Lam, the professors who oversaw the competition and study trip, commented, "It's essential for our students not just to learn from textbooks but to experience the global fashion and art scenes firsthand. This trip was a testament to SFT's commitment to holistic education." At SFT, student experiences are paramount. Such initiatives underscore our commitment to ensuring that students not only receive a top-tier education but also exposure to real-world experiences that enrich their understanding and passion for the fashion industry. Our dedication remains firm: to provide unparalleled experiences and nurture the next generation of fashion industry leaders.

Knitwear study tour to Mainland China resumed after pandemic

To learn more about yarn spinning, knitwear manufacturing as well as the latest knitwear design trends, Teaching Fellows, Dr Zhou Jinyun and Dr Lo Kawai, led a group of 12 knitwear design students on a seven-day study tour to Mainland China in late August. This summer study tour is usually held annually during the summer semester but was unfortunately suspended due to COVID-19 pandemic restrictions. During the trip, the students and staff members visited several well-known yarn mills and knitting factories including those in Zhejiang Province: Consinee Group in Ningbo; Xinao Textile, Zhongding Textile and Diwei Fashion in Tongxiang City; Zhejiang Huigang Fashion in Puyuan City; and Shi-Kwan Textile Technology Co., Ltd. in Shanghai. The students were excited to explore the latest knitting technology and facilities, and witness the spinning and dyeing methods of different materials as well as manufacturing process of sweaters. The delegation also visited Intertexile Shanghai and SPINEXPOTM in Shanghai from 29 August to 31 August. Intertextile Shanghai is a comprehensive textile and accessory exhibition where the students learnt about the newest apparel fabrics and materials. They were also inspired by the SPINEXPOTM trend forum and saw the latest yarn trends in the various booth presentations. Project coordinator, Dr Ho Chu-po commented, “The School always treasures the connections with the industry, especially our generous sponsors and supporters: Mr Anthony Keung, President and CEO of Fenix Group Holdings Limited and Ms Bernia Chan, founder of F.I.T. Knit-tech Limited."

Victor Lee and Mason Wong shortlisted at YDC 2023

Amidst an impressive display of talent and creativity, graduating student Lee Wai-tak Victor and alumnus Wong Ho-yu Mason were shortlisted at the prestigious Hong Kong Young Designers’ Contest (YDC) 2023. Known as one of the most influential fashion design competitions in the region, YDC celebrates emerging young designers and their unique visions. The contest attracts entries from talented individuals who demonstrate outstanding craftsmanship, conceptual thinking, and an exceptional understanding of the industry. Victor Lee’s collection, “924”, contemplates the dynamics between people in relationships, and seeks to explore the intangible interpersonal distances that exist within them. Through his creations, he delves into different levels of intimacy in relationships, and the shifts in dynamics and tension experienced during the ebb and flow of a relationship. His work primarily utilises mix-and-match materials, patterns formed by layering images in different states and the transformation of forms derived from intimate relationships with silhouettes. Mason Wong’s collection “Defend” aims to convey his feelings about dressing and encourages people to break free from the trend of gender ambiguity by finding outfits that truly suit them. He deliberately combines altered and adjoined materials, delicate tailoring and references to armour to interpret his perception of the grandeur, confidence and harmonious balance of strength and softness of male aesthetics. >>> Watch the show

SFT + knitwear industrialists ignite innovations at Young Designer Project

Four talented knitwear design students, Cheung Wai-yee, Yim Chi-ching, Qiu Wing-yee,  and Li Yan, Lizy, were shortlisted in the Young Designer Project competition and given the unique opportunity to create outfits with the generous production sponsorship of local knitting manufacturers. They leveraged the different kinds of sponsored materials and created awe-inspiring and imaginative garments that push the boundaries of knitwear design. The collaboration reached its zenith when the winning students had the honour of showcasing their exceptional designs in Florence - the heart of Italy, in June. This prestigious event attracted guests and visitors from all corners of the world, providing them with an exclusive glimpse into the extraordinary talents of our knitwear design students. Building on this success, the winning pieces are set to captivate audiences worldwide as they make appearances at prestigious fairs in Paris, New York, and Shanghai throughout 2023 and 2024. This global exposure not only celebrates the achievements of the students but also highlights the significance and impact of the collaboration between SFT and the knitwear industry. The winning students were also supported by the International Competition and Conference Participation Scheme (ICCPS) which is administrated by the Global Engagement Office (GEO) of PolyU to enhance internationalisation and achieve global excellence and a global reputation. The value of this collaboration extends far beyond the academia, as the partnership effectively bridges the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical experience. This partnership serves as a driving force for positive change within the fashion industry, pushing the industry toward a future defined by creativity and excellence. By nurturing talent and fostering innovation, this collaboration is a milestone for both knitwear design students and the industry alike. Ms Susan Kwong, Marketing Director of M.ORO Cashmere had this to say: "This collaboration represents a significant milestone in the journey of knitwear design students and the industry. It highlights the immense value of combining academic expertise with industry insights, resulting in a powerful synergy that drives innovation, cultivates talent, and propels the fashion industry forward."