News

Fashion Forward: SFT unveils its first digital ambassadors

SFT is thrilled to introduce its first-ever digital avatars, which will bring our vision for fashion into the virtual world! Crafted by our talented alumnae, Miss Natalie Jim (BA, 2024) and Miss Catherine Hui (BA, 2024), these avatars won the “Avatar Design Contest” for their inspired blend of SFT’s core brand values, colours, and fresh, forward-thinking creativity. Their designs showcase the exceptional skills and innovation nurtured at SFT, which embody our commitment to advancing fashion through AI and the metaverse to thrive in the exciting Web 3.0 era. Dressed in stunning, digitally-rendered traditional Chinese attire, these avatars beautifully honour SFT’s dedication to celebrating Chinese fashion heritage, making it both vibrant and accessible for today’s digital generation. Looking ahead, these virtual ambassadors will light up future events, and spotlight SFT’s leadership in digital innovation and bringing Chinese fashion to audiences worldwide in a more engaging and interactive way. Some of the avatars have already been minted as NFTs and are available for sale on OpenSea. Through initiatives like this one, SFT will continue to proudly shape the fashion leaders of tomorrow!

SFT ranks 7th place among global top 50 in textile science and engineering

SFT has made a remarkable leap in the ShanghaiRanking’s Global Ranking of Academic Subjects 2024, advancing from 25th to 7th place among the Top 50 in the "Textile Science & Engineering" category. This significant achievement underscores SFT's exceptional growth and commitment to excellence on an international scale. The ShanghaiRanking’s Global Ranking of Academic Subjects is a highly regarded evaluation that assesses universities worldwide based on their academic performance and research impact in various disciplines. SFT's impressive rise in the rankings is a testament to its dedication to advancing research, fostering innovation, and nurturing talent in the fashion and textile industry. Professor Erin Cho, School Dean, expressed pride in the School's accomplishment, stating, "I extend my heartfelt gratitude to our dedicated faculty in this field for their hard work and commitment. Let us continue to excel in all aspects of our academic endeavours."   SFT has been at the forefront of cutting-edge research and development in textiles, focusing on sustainable practices, advanced materials, and innovative technologies. The School's collaborative approach with industry partners and its emphasis on real-world applications have further solidified its reputation as a leader in the field. This achievement not only enhances PolyU's global standing but also reinforces Hong Kong's position as a hub for academic excellence and innovation in textile science and engineering. As SFT continues to strive towards excellence, the School remains dedicated to shaping the future of the textile industry through groundbreaking research and education. For more information on ShanghaiRanking’s Global Ranking of Academic Subjects 2024, please visit: https://www.shanghairanking.com/rankings/gras/2024/RS0228.

Chau Ching-chi Gabriella awarded The Best Hat Award at Sa Sa Ladies' Purse Day

To celebrate the 20th anniversary of the “Sa Sa Ladies' Purse Day”, six students studying BA (Hons) Scheme in Fashion and Textiles, including Chan Tsoi-ki, Chau Ching-chi Gabriella, Ip Wai-ting, Lee Yee-man, Sum Cheuk-lam and Yung Hiu-lam, were shortlisted in a headpiece design competition organised by Sa Sa International, a local beauty retail group. Six stunning works, inspired by the Ladies' Purse Day, were presented by Miss Hong Kong 2024 and celebrities on the race day on 3 November. A huge round of applause for Gabriella Chau, who emerged as The Best Hat Award with her design “Baby Blue Shell”. The certificate and gift coupon were presented by Professor Erin Cho, Dean of SFT; Dr Eleanor Kwok, BBS, JP, Vice-chairman of Sa Sa International; and renowned luxury headwear designer, Ms Emily Baxendale.

Lee Yee-man, Sisi Tang and Yi Bingqing outshine the 2024 Fung Innovative Art & Design Award

The BA student Lee Yee-man, and two PhD students, Sisi Tang and Yi Bingqing, outshone their competitors at the 2024 Fung Innovative Art & Design Award on 7 November 2024, which took place at the China International Import Expo (CIIE). More than 600 entries were received for this year’s competition. Bingqing was shortlisted as one of "China’s Top 10", while Sisi garnered second prize with her art installation design "Landscape", and Yee-man secured third prize with her fashion design "The Law of the Spiral". Sisi’s design work uses recycled materials and contrasts with withering elements, ice, and fire to imply the rebirth of nature. Her design is made of waste yarn, recycled plastic, and withered wood, with the aim to inspire a new understanding of the value of waste, enhance awareness of sustainable development, and showcase the unique aesthetic value of waste. Lee Yee-man skilfully used sharp tailoring techniques to reshape the infinite possibilities of form, while selecting sustainable fabrics and comprehensively innovating natural polymers in a geometric form. The original edge design of the work is particularly eye-catching and has become a visual focus, profoundly and vividly interpreting the fusion of desolate wasteland and punk style. As the guest of honour at the finals, Mr Stephen Fung, China President of Fung Group, had nothing but praise and kind words for the awarded works, "These excellent shortlisted works reflect the in-depth exploration of the integration of cultural heritage and innovative technology by the younger generation of designers, so that we get a glimpse of the pulse and direction of the future fashion industry from them."

30th School of Fashion and Textiles Congregation

The 30th Congregation was successfully concluded on 6 November, presided over by School Dean Prof. Erin Cho. At the Congregation, held in the Jockey Club Auditorium on campus, Master of Philosophy, Master of Arts and Bachelor degrees were awarded to 405 graduates, where 22 PhD graduates were awarded at the Main Session of the University on 2 November. Prof. Cho extended her warmest congratulations to all graduates and wished them every success in their future careers or studies. The School conferred academic awards on a total of 427 students this year, including 22 Doctor of Philosophy degree graduates, 7 Master of Philosophy degree graduates, 117 taught master’s degree graduates, and 281 bachelor’s degree graduates.

MA in Fashion & Textile Design Graduate Show held at Shenzhen Fashion Week

The MA in Fashion & Textile Design Graduate Show that was held at Shenzhen Fashion Week on 26 October featured an impressive array of innovative designs, which reflect the vibrant creativity of emerging talents at SFT. Under the theme of “Reflective Highways”, 13 MA fresh graduates presented their unique collections, each representing their own journey of growth. They explored and contemplated what truly matters - growth in self-consciousness and self-connection, the world and each other. The event attracted nearly 450 in-person guests and was live streamed on various Chinese social media platforms. This event furthers Shenzhen as a vibrant centre for design and innovation by providing an energetic platform for SFT graduates to connect with industry leaders and potential partners, thus paving the way for collaborations that could influence their future career.  

Recipients of the Faculty/School Awards for Outstanding Achievement 2024 announced

SFT is proud to announce that eight SFT faculty members have received the Faculty/School Awards 2024 which recognise their outstanding achievements in teaching, research performance and service.  Category of Award Awardee  Teaching (Outstanding Young Teacher) Ms Nico Liu, Instructor Research & Scholarly Activities (Outstanding Researcher) Prof. Xu Bingang, Professor Research & Scholarly Activities (Outstanding Young Researcher) Dr Shou Dahua, Associate Professor, Limin Endowed Young Scholar in Advanced Textiles Technologies Knowledge Transfer: Society  Dr Jin Lam, Associate Professor Services Dr Fan Di, Assistant Dean and Associate Professor Knowledge Transfer: Industry (Team) Prof. Yick Kit-lun, Professor (Team Leader) Prof. Joanne Yip, Associate Dean and Professor  Dr Shi Qiuqiong, Research Assistant Professor Congratulations to all of the awardees for their dedicated work!

SFT knitwear students show their talent at Young Designer Project competition

Two talented knitwear design students, Emily Li and Olivia Yau, were nominated for the Young Designer Project organised by M.ORO Cashmere and given the unique opportunity to showcase their exceptional designs in Florence, Italy, in June. This prestigious event attracted guests and visitors from all corners of the world. Building on this success, the outfits also captivated audiences at the 43rd Shanghai Spin ExpoTM in September, which is the leading international industry sourcing exhibition dedicated to innovation in yarns, fibres and knitwear. This global exposure highlights the significance and impact of the collaborations between SFT and the knitwear industry. The students received sponsorship from M.ORO Cashmere and created their outfits with the generous production sponsorship of both local and mainland Chinese knitting manufacturers.

PolyU takes pride in designing ties and scarves for the HKSAR Government

SFT was honoured to be invited by the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) to design a collection of ties and scarves worn by Mr John Lee Ka-chiu, the Chief Executive of the HKSAR, and his team on the announcement day of the 2024 Policy Address. Led by Dr Jin Lam, a PolyU alumna and Associate Professor, the team has merged traditional weaving techniques with innovative technologies and adopted a green colour tone to echo this year’s Policy Address, signifying harmony, vitality and prosperity.The team has depicted some of Hong Kong’s signature skyscrapers and buildings, including the Central Government Complex and the International Financial Centre, in the design of the ties and scarves with meticulous line drawings and sharp geometric patterns respectively. The intricately arranged drawings and patterns are also used to outline the world-renowned Victoria Harbour skyline. The criss-crossing lines incorporated in the tie’s graphic design also symbolise Hong Kong’s unique advantages of enjoying strong national support while maintaining unparalleled connectivity with the world. "This co-design projects have enabled a group of young local fashion designers to display their creativity by merging traditional techniques with innovative technologies, while also drawing a broader blueprint for the future of the cultural and creative industries," Dr Jin Lam said.

SFT students dazzle at National Day Celebration

To commemorate the 75th National Day of the People's Republic of China, the Hong Kong Housing Authority organised a vibrant celebration called "National Day 75th Anniversary @Domain", which was held at Domain Mall in Yau Tong on 1st October. One of the highlights of the event was the fashion show. Based on the theme "Joyful Dream," four of our outstanding fashion design students including, Cheung Nga-yi, Hui Lok, Lee Hoi-kiu, and Woo Sin-yu, designed 11 stunning outfits. Their innovative designs were brought to life on the runway, modelled by 11 senior residents from various public housing estates, alongside distinguished guests, including the Honourable Winnie Ho Wing-yin, JP, Secretary for Housing; Miss Rosanna Shuk Pui Law, JP, Permanent Secretary for Housing/Director of Housing; and Mr Victor Sheung Shing Tai, Under Secretary for Housing. The event not only highlighted the creative prowess of our students but also underscored the importance of community engagement and inter-generational collaboration.