NEXT IN CHINESE STYLE – YOUNG DESIGNER CHALLENGE 2026

For the 7th consecutive year, Sparkle Charity Foundation Limited collaborates with VTC’s HK Design Institute to organize “Next In Chinese Style – Young Designer Challenge” (NICS) fashion design competition to promote the Intangible Cultural Heritage of cheongsam, and entice young fashion designers to incorporate east-meets-west design and Chinese chic elements into the art of making cheongsams.

To promote the heritage and sustainability of HK fashion, and to revive the Intangible Cultural Heritage of the cheongsam, 3 generations of HK fashion designers – HK Intangible Cultural Heritage Inheritor Master Fung Yauchoi, cheongsam designer Karen Chan and HK Design Institute’s budding fashion designers join forces to create Sparkle Collection’s young line – “Next In Chinese Style - Young Designer Challenge” (NICS) featuring funky sustainable eco-denim futuristic Chinese style street fashion with Chinese and HK iconic elements as seen through the eyes of HK’s next generation of young and talented fashion designers.

This year’s theme for Next In Chinese Style - Young Designer Challenge (NICS) centers around the concept of “Casual Wear – 1980s Hong Kong Style Outfits”. Students are encouraged to design casual eco-denim streetwear that are futuristic, young, vibrant, full of vitality, and at the same time shows off unique elements of Hong Kong.

Students are required to use our neon colored【Goldfish Street/Pawnshop/Fruit Market/Ferry Pier/Bird Street】signature patterns cotton fabric and combine the elements of fashionable Chinese-style Cheongsam, Tang Jacket and denim, using the concept of East-meets-West to shape the future trends of Cheongsam and Tang Jacket. Contestants who advance to the semifinals will have the opportunity to be selected for the annual new product launch fashion show of Sparkle Collection.

Favorite NEXT IN CHINESE STYLE 2026 Prize:
Sparkle Charity Foundation Limited Scholarship -
HKD$1000 + Certificate of Merit 

1. The application of【Goldfish Street/Pawnshop/Fruit Market/Ferry Pier/Bird Street】patterned cotton fabric
   
2. The application of the production of Cheongsam or Tang Jacket
3. The application of the elements of Casual Wear – 1980s Hong Kong Style Outfits and Creativity
4. Overall design and performance

1. Participants must attend the final presentation in person
2. Participants are required to present for 5 minutes to introduce their product and design concept;
3. Participants need to prepare an overall styling concept for the model figure, including accessories and shoes for display purposes (Not Refund)