In a dazzling showcase of creativity and sustainability, the Hong Kong Design Institute (HKDI) recently hosted the “New Fashion Force 2024” fashion show, held on 9 July 2024. The event was a celebration of emerging talent, featuring the innovative designs of 32 students from the HD in Fashion Design and the BA (Hons) Fashion programs, the latter offered in collaboration with Nottingham Trent University and SHAPE. With 30% of the designers utilising TENCEL™ branded fibers1, the show was not only a testament to the students’ creativity but also a demonstration of sustainable fashion practices.
The HKDI is renowned for nurturing the next generation of design talent, and this event epitomised that mission. Each student presented a collection of four outfits, encompassing a wide range of themes and styles, from knits to wovens and denim. The student designers’ ability to mix and match materials and techniques resulted in collections that highlighted their unique creative visions.
Lenzing Group, a key collaborator with HKDI, played an integral role in this educational journey. The company provided mentorship, workshops, and seminars to help students integrate sustainable concepts into their designs. Notably, Lenzing’s TENCEL™ and LENZING™ ECOVERO™ fibrers were featured in many of the students’ final collections. At the event, Lenzing also sponsored the Best Sustainability Award, with Rex Mok, Director of Technical Marketing Development Global Textiles Business of Lenzing AG, serving on the panel of judges. The competition, supported by industry leaders like The Mills Fabrica, Advance Denim, and Target Corporation, saw students competing for 14 prestigious awards.
TENCEL™ fibers set a new standard for natural comfort in textiles. Derived from sustainably sourced wood, TENCEL™ Lyocell and Modal fibers are known for their exceptional comfort, high tenacity, and efficient moisture management. The closed-loop production process minimises environmental impact by recycling nearly 99.8% of the solvents used. This results in fibers that are not only gentle on the skin but also biodegradable and compostable, making them ideal for eco-conscious designers.
During the event, we had the opportunity to speak with representatives from Lenzing, Rex Mok, Director of Technical Marketing Development Global Textile, and Dennis Hui, Global Business Development Manager, Denim, who shed light on the unique qualities of TENCEL™ fibers. “TENCEL™ fibers are distinguished by their renewable nature and sustainable production process,” they explained. “The moisture management and softness make TENCEL™ fibers stand out, and they are completely compostable and biodegradable2.”
Discussing the closed-loop production of TENCEL™ Lyocell fibers, they elaborated, “The wood used comes from sustainably managed forests. We utilise every part of the wood, and the process allows us to recycle 99.8% of the solvents, making it an environmentally responsible choice from start to finish.”
Lenzing’s commitment to sustainability extends beyond the fashion industry. The representative emphasised their involvement with initiatives like the Redress Design Award and Graduate Fashion Week, which help educate and inspire the next generation of designers. “We aim to engrain sustainable practices by working closely with educational institutions and young designers. It’s about walking the talk and introducing sustainable materials right from the start.”
Looking to the future, Lenzing is set on ambitious sustainability goals. “By 2030, we aim to reduce our CO2 emissions by half, and by 2050, we hope to achieve zero carbon emissions,” they shared. Innovation remains a core focus, with recent developments in materials like Modal Indigo and UV Spandai supporting industry sustainability.
As the HKDI fashion show demonstrated, the collaboration between educational institutions and industry leaders like Lenzing is crucial in empowering young designers and driving the fashion industry towards a more sustainable future. With initiatives like these, the future of fashion looks promisingly green.
1TENCEL™ Lyocell and Modal fibers can break down and compost at the end of their life cycle.
2 LENZING™ Lyocell and Modal standard fibers are certified by TUV AUSTRIA as biodegradable in soil, freshwater and marine environments, and compostable under home and industrial conditions. Tests have been performed on LENZING™ Lyocell and Modal standard fibers and fibers are certified by TUV AUSTRIA.
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