HONG KONG – The 2026 Hong Kong Young Fashion Designers’ Contest unfolded with glitz and unexpected runway cameos as local celebrities traded scripts for catwalks, blending automotive elements with high fashion. The event, which showcased emerging talent, featured actor 岑珈其 (Sam Sham) making his modeling debut, alongside performances by 張紋嘉 (Crystal Cheung), 岑樂怡 (Bonnie Shum), and 梁雍婷 (Rachel Leung). Actor 柯煒林 (Will Or) and Lolly Talk member 鄭芷淇 (Elka Cheng) attended as guests, while 丁子朗 (Karl Ting) hosted the evening.
First-Time Model Navigates the Runway
Sam Sham, known for his screen roles, admitted he consulted professional models on how to walk the runway. “I asked if I needed to strike a cool pose like Jeffrey (Ngai Chun-sing). They told me to just be natural, so I might walk as if I’m strolling through a mall,” he said. The event’s automotive theme sparked a personal interest: “I’m tempted to buy a car now—maybe I can negotiate a discount in exchange for promotion.” On the home front, Sham noted his son, now in kindergarten’s final year (K3), is eager for school. “My wife is more stressed than I am. I now fully understand the headache of choosing a primary school,” he added.
Elka Cheng’s Tight-Fitting Look Sparks Diet Woes
Lolly Talk’s Elka Cheng turned heads in a form-fitting, low-waist outfit, but confessed the style came with sacrifices. “A few days ago I felt dizzy and almost fainted, so I’ve been trying to eat a bit more. But this dress’s waistline is so low that I only had one salad all day,” she said. Despite the event’s car theme, Cheng, who doesn’t hold a driver’s license, joked about public safety: “For everyone’s sake, I probably won’t get one. As for having a partner drive me? I’d rather reverse the roles and be a ‘bossy female president’ picking him up.”
Height and Humor: A Model’s Unlikely Path
Rachel Leung poked fun at her stature, calling her modeling opportunity a rare feat. “I’m going with a ‘joyful’ vibe—that’s my way in,” she said, playfully labeling Crystal Cheung her “childhood idol,” a remark that left Cheung both amused and flattered.
Crystal Cheung Reflects on Being a ‘Growing-Up Soundtrack’
Crystal Cheung said she’s grown accustomed to being called an idol by younger peers. “Backstage, I met many new artists who thought I was new. But some told me they grew up listening to my songs. It’s an honor to be part of people’s memories,” she said. Discussing the film Chef’s Table—which has drawn attention for limited screenings—Cheung and Leung noted that while actors can’t control distribution, recent box office numbers have been strong. “We hope for even better results,” Leung added.
Will Or Scouting for Golden Horse ‘Battle Suit’
Guest Will Or, who mingled backstage, said he chooses outfits based on mood and is using fashion events to select his outfit for hosting the Golden Horse Awards. “I’m really excited—I can’t tell myself to be nervous, or I actually will be. Every awards show has so many seniors I want to see. This time, I hope the Hong Kong team wins on stage. If they do, I might run up and congratulate them in Cantonese!” he said.
Broader Impact: A Platform for Cross-Industry Creativity
The contest not only spotlighted emerging designers but also underscored Hong Kong’s fashion scene as a cultural bridge—merging entertainment, automobile design, and personal storytelling. As the industry evolves, events like this offer young creators crucial exposure while giving celebrities a chance to humanize fashion. For attendees and viewers alike, the evening served as a reminder that style, at its core, is about confidence—whether you’re a first-time model or a seasoned star.
— Reporting from Hong Kong
