Student Chen Yat Nga from Diploma of Vocational Education (Fashion) was advanced to the final 21st and won the honour of "Top Ten Designers" in the final of 14th Da Lang Cup China Women’s Fashion Design Competition held in Shenzhen on June 10, 2025, and became the youngest "Top Ten Designers" in the history of the competition.
With her work titled "Theatricality of the East," Chen demonstrated exceptional creativity and craftsmanship among designers from around the world. The competition attracted participants from the United States, Italy, France, the United Kingdom, Colombia, Japan, Russia, Canada, Thailand, Mexico, Indonesia, and Antigua and Barbuda, they were experienced designers or students from reputable universities both domestically and internationally, with a total of 1,520 entries, raising the professional level and challenge of the event. Chen Yat Nga’s ability to stand out amid such talented competitors fully demonstrates her talent and potential.
Chen expressed, "Although I did not win the top prize in this year’s Da Lang Cup China Women’s Fashion Design Competition, being named among the ‘Top Ten Designers’ has brought me great joy and satisfaction. This honor is not only a recognition of my professional skills but also a testament to my growth and transformation throughout this journey."
The theme of this year's competition was "Theatricality of the East," inspired by Chinese intangible cultural heritage — shadow puppetry. Shadow puppetry typically uses animal hides or paperboard to create silhouette figures for folk dramas, using light and shadow to evoke a romantic Chinese aesthetic. However, the process of making shadow puppets is complex, involving multiple steps such as selecting materials, crafting, sketching, and carving, which require significant labor and time, leading to a decline in its modern practice.
Chen aimed to incorporate modern "new" technology to extract the essence of shadow puppetry, combining it with fashion to showcase its cultural value while reducing manual effort and preserving its unique characteristics.
She employed techniques like laser cutting and pleating to facilitate rapid production, blending traditional shadow puppet qualities with modern technology. For example, she used suede fabric with different laser-cut methods, piercing the material with laser and then fixing it with rivets to create layered effects inspired by shadow puppetry. Her overall design incorporated wool, eco-friendly suede, and chiffon fabrics, emphasizing a commercial yet sustainable approach. Her goal was to raise public awareness of cultural heritage through fashion and give it new vitality.
During the competition, she faced many challenges, especially in fabric selection and pattern adjustment, which required considerable effort. Faced with a wide variety of fabrics, she initially struggled to choose materials that aligned with both the theme and the silhouette, leading to indecision. Pattern-making was also difficult; her early prototypes often failed to achieve the desired three-dimensional effect — either too loose and bulky or too tight, limiting mobility.
Fortunately, under her teachers’ professional guidance, she gradually learned to assess fabric properties and select suitable materials according to her design style. Her teachers also personally guided her in adjusting patterns, helping her realize that excellent design requires not only creativity but also solid craftsmanship.
Participating in this competition has been highly rewarding. She learned that details determine success or failure: a delicate collar finish or perfect seam can be the finishing touch that elevates a piece. Under her teachers’ guidance, she has improved her work habits, learning to approach each detail with a craftsman’s dedication.
Most importantly, through communication with fellow contestants, she broadened her horizons and appreciated the charm of different design styles. This experience not only enhanced her technical skills but also taught her the importance of perseverance and patience. Moving forward, she will continue to learn, grow, and pursue her path in fashion design.
This award not only recognizes Chen Yat Nga’s talent but also highlights the achievements of Vocational Training Council Youth College (Kwai Chung) in fashion design training. Our teachers, having participated in numerous competitions themselves, bring a wealth of experience and are dedicated to passing on their knowledge and insights to the next generation. We wish her continued success and hope she will achieve even greater milestones in her future design journey!
