The PolyU Fashion Show 2026 unfolded not simply as a graduation showcase, but as a defining moment for a new generation of designers stepping confidently into the global fashion arena. Held at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre on 3 July, the annual flagship event by the School of Fashion and Textiles (SFT) drew nearly 1,200 industry professionals and close to 13,000 online viewers worldwide, an audience that reflects both the scale of the platform and the expectations placed on its emerging talents.

At the heart of the Show were 21 graduating students from the School’s flagship programme, the BA (Hons) Scheme in Fashion and Textiles, each presenting a collection that distilled years of training into a distinct creative voice. All the 21 collections comprising 78 outfits moved fluidly between personal narrative and broader cultural reflection, addressing themes such as identity, social ideologies and multiculturalism. For many students, this was more than a presentation. It was an opportunity to position themselves within an increasingly complex and competitive industry.

Innovation played a central role in shaping these collections. Students incorporated experimental techniques including 3D printing, vacuum-formed resin moulding, fermentation and crystallisation processes, alongside organic materials such as bioplastics and kombucha scoby. This integration of cutting-edge technology with traditional craftsmanship highlighted a new generation of designers unafraid to push beyond conventional boundaries.

Equally significant was the opportunity for direct engagement with industry leaders. Supported by industry partners, the Show featured five awards and scholarships, offering both recognition and a pathway for professional growth. Judged by distinguished alumni and industry experts from diverse sectors, the competition provided students with valuable exposure and critical feedback at a formative stage of their careers.

The Consinee Grand Award was won by Cheng Sze-ki, Bella (left, front row) for the collection themed “BETWIXT AND BETWEEN”.

Among the highlights, Cheng Sze-ki, Bella received the Consinee Grand Award for her collection “BETWIXT AND BETWEEN,” which explored the concept of liminality through deconstructed tailoring, monochromatic palettes and innovative materials such as transparent SLA 3D-printed resin. Adding to the significance of the accolade, the collection was evaluated by a distinguished panel of five PolyU alumni representing various sectors of the fashion industry, including Ms Anne Chow, Marketing and Business Development Manager of Consinee Group; Ms Constance Lee, Founder of CONSTYLE and Fashion Stylist; Ms Florence Tsui, Brand Manager of ONS Clothing – New York; Mr Kit Wan, Founder and Creative Director of Kit Wan Studios; and Mr Wilson Yip, Founder of Wilsonkaki.

Meanwhile, Cheng Sin-kei, Fion was awarded the Hong Kong Intimate Apparel Industries’ Association (HKIAIA) Overall Grand Award for “Unraveled soul”, a collection that translated the intangible nature of the human psyche into fluid silhouettes and translucent fabrics, evoking a sense of purity and transformation. The award was judged by Ms Karen Ng, Secretary of HKIAIA. Members of the judging panels for the other awards and scholarships included Ms Janet Cheung, Project Director of the Hong Kong Fashion Designers Association (HKFDA); Professor Alice Chu, Hon Education Advisor of SFAA Foundation Limited; and Ms Dilys Yiu, Design Director of Anteprima Ltd, Fenix Group Holdings Ltd.

As noted by Professor Erin Cho, Dean of PolyU SFT, the Show continues to reinforce PolyU’s standing among the world’s leading institutions in fashion and design-related disciplines. More importantly, it underscores the School’s commitment to nurturing talents who combine innovative thinking, cutting-edge technology and refined craftsmanship.

For these emerging designers, the Fashion Show represents both an endpoint and a beginning – a launchpad into an evolving industry where creativity, resilience and adaptability are essential. Their work not only reflects current trends but also signals future directions for fashion, where technology, sustainability and personal expression converge.