The Global Denim Talent Programme, a debut initiative of the 3rd Hong Kong Denim Festival, is organised by the Hong Kong Design Institute (HKDI) and funded by the Cultural and Creative Industries Development Agency. In collaboration with other industry stakeholders, Lenzing has sponsored the programme by providing its sustainable fibers, along with guidance and mentorship.

Commencing in December 2023, the Global Denim Talent Programme aims to nurture local talent with a global perspective by offering training in innovative and sustainable denim design, while also facilitating connections with industry leaders. The programme further supports start-up ventures and advocates for entrepreneurship within the denim industry.

Lenzing sponsored the programme with its fibers, which the participants used to create and develop their own denim collections. This not only marked a fitting conclusion to the Global Denim Talent Programme but also paved the way for the designers to embark on a new chapter as their collections are showcased at trade fairs such as Centrestage 2024 and Kingpins New York 2025.

Alongside Lenzing, several like-minded businesses also sponsored the programme with various offerings. The industrial sponsors included Advance Denim, Jeanologia, MGF Sourcing, Hong Kong Newtimes Development Ltd, Crystal International Group Limited, The Lycra Company, and Washi House. The programme provided a valuable opportunity for young talents in the denim sector to interact with influential industry leaders, broaden their perspectives, and draw inspiration.

Following a competitive process for this year’s programme, eight exceptional applicants were selected and announced in February. While the participants embarked on a shared journey, each brought a diverse set of experiences – from young brand owners and design competition winners to overseas fashion trade show regulars and emerging stars. To inspire these brilliant minds to excel and shine, Lenzing and other key industry players offered mentorship and hosted training sessions, offering them a strong cornerstone to step up in the denim industry. With this enriched understanding of sustainable textiles and fashion, the eight designers were able to establish a firm foothold in the sector, garnering increasing attention throughout the value chain.

During the programme, the participants visited the factories of industry partners, gaining valuable insights into the manufacturing processes of sustainable denim, from fabric selection and washing techniques, to finishing methods and understanding the latest advancements in sustainable fiber technologies. By allowing the designers to dive into the experienced and ever-evolving practices of long-trusted companies, the programme is helping to create a skilled and forward-thinking young workforce that can carry on the mission to propel the landscape shift towards a low-impact structure. By equipping them with the knowledge to effectively bring out the best in sustainable raw materials, just like Lenzing fibers, the value chain can also look forward to having more quality eco-friendly products in the market, further boosting consumer awareness.

Lenzing has been devoted to sustainability and nurturing young talents. Through the Global Denim Talent Programme, the company has demonstrated its commitment to the denim sector. From offering the fibers to providing professional guidance, Lenzing endeavours to help pave the way for long-term, promising development in this field.

“The Global Denim Talent Programme goes beyond just a one-off event. At Lenzing, we see ourselves as more than a fiber supplier, we are also a strong bridge to bring together value chain stakeholders and join forces to alter the decades-long industry momentum,” said Dennis Hui, Global Business Development Manager, Denim, Lenzing. “The connection established through the programme is two-way – while the designers had the chance to learn from the organizers including Lenzing, it was also our pleasure to meet new players in the denim sector. We are excited to collaborate with them in the future and develop revolutionary products that leverage our fibers.”

Additionally, as a key collaborator of the Hong Kong Design Institute, Lenzing has been supporting it by offering mentorship, workshops, and seminars to its students to help them integrate sustainable concepts into their designs. In July, the HKDI hosted the New Fashion Force 2024, showcasing not only the creativity of the students with a wide range of designs presented but also their sustainability awareness, as 30% of the students have utilized TENCEL™ branded fibers in their collections. Lenzing also sponsored The Best Sustainability Award at the fashion show, of which Rex Mok, Director of Technical Marketing and Development, Global Textiles Business at Lenzing, was on the judging panel.

Moving forward, Lenzing will continue its support of educational institutions, and hold seminars, tours, and collaboration projects for younger generations, so that they may pass on the knowledge and build on it to bring together diverse thoughts and experiences.