Sustainable Innovations: Future Maker Award 2024 Winners Showcase
About the Award
At The Mills Fabrica, we are passionate about inspiring the next generation of sustainable innovators. The Future Maker Award, proudly presented by The Mills Fabrica, embodies our commitment to recognising and empowering emerging talents who are shaping the future of the textile industry.
Exceptional students from esteemed local fashion institutions, including The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU), Hong Kong Design Institute (HKDI), and The Technological and Higher Education Institute of Hong Kong (THEi), are handpicked to receive the award.
In 2024, we proudly awarded five talented graduates as the Future Maker Awardees.
Awardees & Designers
Hazel Cheng
“Why do we live?” We live to experience life and find happiness. Elderly people with rich life experiences wearing colorful outfits and genuine smiles radiate happiness.
Color has the power to bring happiness and hope, reminding people of joyful moments even in negativity.
Awarded Year: 2024
Studied At Hong Kong Design Institute
Higher Diploma in Fashion Design
FYP: VIVA LA VIDA
Samantha Lai
A funny combination of the terms “jellyfish” with the well-known gelatin dish “Jello” produces the term “Jelly.” Though there may not be a clear connection, the term “jello” is an inventive way to evoke the image or essence of a jellyfish in a creative and whimsical way.
Jello, a word made up of jellyfish. The key elements that inspired me to create this phrase and construct my design were its gelatinous texture, translucent appearance,fluid movements, and form.
Awarded Year: 2024
Studied At Technological and Higher Education Institute of Hong Kong
Bachelor of Arts (Honours) Fashion design
FYP: JELLO
Andy Hui
The theme of my FYP is “I Am Here”, which envisions a future where we continue to face challenges and hardships with positivity, resilience, and unwavering
determination. To embody this spirit, I chose sunflowers and cacti as the key design elements. Sunflowers symbolize hope and light, always turning toward the sun, while cacti represent toughness and adaptability, thriving even in the harshest conditions. What’s more, cacti can bloom beautiful flowers, showcasing the miracle of flourishing against the odds. Through this theme, I hope to inspire others to overcome challenges fearlessly and embrace the beauty of life!
Awarded Year: 2024
Studied At Technological and Higher Education Institute of Hong Kong
Bachelor of Arts (Honours) Fashion design
FYP: Cactus Blossom
Alex Lai
This pollution-themed fashion collection uses sustainable materials, dark colours, and striking silhouettes to visually convey the urgent need for environmental change and inspire action towards a cleaner planet.
Awarded Year: 2024
Studied At Hong Kong Design Institute
Higher Diploma in Fashion Design
FYP: Pollution
Joey Lai
The objective of this project is to capture the “pressure” that young people experience under social labels by emphasizing volume and weight of fabrics, as well as to recreate the voluminous features and fabric details of items like bedsheets and pillows to demonstrate the relaxed and free form of young people in bed creating “Space” and “Comfort” to the whole collection. By combining these elements, the project anticipates to present a positive “let it rot” lifestyle.
Awarded Year: 2024
Studied At The Hong Kong Polytechnic University
Fashion and Textile (Design)
FYP: Let It Rot
Empowering Future Leaders: Fabrica X, the Showcase Hub
The Mills Fabrica is committed to providing robust commercial support to the Future Maker Awardees, utilising Fabrica X as a vital retail channel. This initiative aims to allow winners to gain firsthand experience in preparing launch of their own brands after graduating, bridging the gap between design and commercial production. By showcasing and selling their products in a dynamic retail environment, the designers not only reach a broader audience but also receive invaluable insights into market trends and consumer preferences. This hands-on experience equips them with the skills and knowledge necessary to navigate the complexities of the fashion industry, fostering their growth as future leaders in sustainable design.
Order your made-to-order Future-Maker Award 2024 product for pickup at Fabrica X, The Mills storenow!
Product Concept
Samantha Lai | FYP - JELLO
This garment embodies the essence of oceanic grace, drawing inspiration from the delicate form and fluid movements of jellyfish. The mesmerizing dance of these creatures in water is reflected in each gentle curve and flowing line, evoking a sense of elegance and freedom. Channel the enchanting allure of the deep sea with every step, wearing it to embrace your unique style.
Alex Lai | FYP - POLLUTION
The design inspiration is derived from the skirts worn by women in their daily lives. It has always been believed that skirts represent a hallmark of femininity and possess a unique beauty. There is admiration for the variety of lovely skirts women can wear, which led to the creation of a bag designed to resemble a skirt.
Hazel Cheng | FYP VIVA LA VIDA
This design is inspired by Hazel's final year project, "Viva La Vida." Natural dyes are appreciated for the comfort they provide. A streamlined design has been incorporated into this bag, and natural dye fabric has been added to express a vision of life. This design reflects values of simplicity and beauty in everyday life.
Initiative Supported By Ecosystem Partners
We partnered with SFAA, coaching each designer to create a unique product, benefiting from tools and expertise tailored for commercial-level design and production. Their innovative creations were crafted using sustainably sourced fabrics from sponsor Stella Blu, ensuring an eco-friendly approach. These remarkable products will be featured at Fabrica X, an Impact Retail store that not only showcases the designs but also shares the inspiring stories behind each creator's journey.
Join us on a journey that combines history, youth empowerment, and creativity.
About Our Supporting Partners
Stella Blu | Materials Partner
Stella Blu is an innovative denim textile factory under Prosperity Textile, a leading supplier for international brands. Focused on sustainable textiles, Stella Blu is committed to producing eco-friendly denim products, from fabric to finished garments, through advanced technology and material innovation.
Recognizing that sustainability starts upstream, Stella Blu collaborates with designers and material experts to drive transformation in the denim industry.
SFAA Foundation | Programme Mentor
SFAA Foundation Limited (Sustainable Fashion Apparel Association) is dedicated to promoting sustainable practices in the fashion industry while supporting designers in achieving success. We believe in the transformative power of education and empower students and professionals by providing access to cutting-edge technology and innovative materials.
Partnering Institutions
Future Maker Award
Proudly presented by The Mills Fabrica, stands as our commitment to recognizing and empowering the next generation of creative textile talents.
We carefully handpick exceptional students from esteemed institutions such as The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong Design Institute, and The Technological and Higher Education Institute of Hong Kong, to join our dynamic techstyle ecosystem, where they gain exclusive opportunities to delve into the practical applications of sustainability and innovation.
Recipients of the Future Maker Award are rewarded with a 6-month residency at The Mills Fabrica Lab in Hong Kong, granting them access to cutting-edge facilities and support from our thriving community of industry experts. Furthermore, they will gain potential exposure through media, events, and showcases meticulously organized by The Mills Fabrica, thus elevating their visibility and networking within the industry.
