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Empowering Ethnic Minority Youth in
Youth Fashion Showcase 22/23
Driving Sustainable Fashion with The PVH Foundation and Fashion Clinic
 
[Hong Kong, 8 July 2023] Seeing the Possibilities - Youth Fashion Showcase 22/23 (“the Showcase”) has been successfully held today (8 July 2023) at The Wave, with an accompanying online exhibition extending until September. Organised by KELY Support Group (“KELY”), a local non-profit, and supported by The PVH Foundation, the Showcase highlighted 10 outfits designed and created by five groups of secondary school students from ethnic minority backgrounds, who were mentored by professionals from Fashion Clinic.
 
The Showcase was the highlight of one of KELY’s signature programmes – Seeing the Possibilities (“the Programme"), which aims at empowering youth with ethnic minority backgrounds by teaching them life skills and using fashion design as a means for them to self-express. The Programme also provides employability knowledge and skills. This year, KELY collaborated with Sir Ellis Kadoorie Secondary School (West Kowloon) to deliver the programme from October 2022 to July 2023.
 
The PVH Foundation funded this year’s programme and engaged 10 leaders across different departments as panelists and mentors to share their working experiences and stories in the fashion industry with the student participants. David Lim, Senior Vice President, People, Asia Pacific from PVH Corp., remarked, “This programme aligns with our mission to drive ‘fashion forward – for good’. As a Global organisation, we value this opportunity to support the local communities. We are delighted to contribute and participate in community projects like Seeing the Possibilities. We also hope that this programme will inspire more diverse young talents to pursue a career in fashion.”
 
“Upcycling” was the theme of this year’s programme, prompting KELY to invite Fashion Clinic, which specialises in redesigning and upcycling deadstock garments and materials, as the Fashion Design Training Partner for the Programme.
 
Kay Wong, Creative Director of Fashion Clinic, shared, “We embraced the trainer role in this programme because education is a core component of our mission. I saw truly inspiring pieces from the students, and was impressed by their work, which resembled that of a professional fashion designer. It’s amazing to witness their transformation. ‘Upcycling’ resonates with our mission and vision, and we hope that, in addition to providing sustainable design solutions, we can also introduce this approach to a wider audience.”
 
Cindy Ng, Senior Manager, Programmes and Services of KELY Support Group, added, “It is not easy for ethnic minority youth in Hong Kong to find a platform or medium where they can express who they are in the predominantly Chinese Hong Kong society. This programme bridges the gap and offers opportunities for them to explore new experiences that may not be available in their daily lives or school setting. It allows them to showcase their artistic and creative talents, which is beneficial for building confidence and expanding their horizons. We hope more people will recognize our efforts and join our cause to empower our youth.”
 
Zya Lubag, a 17-year-old participant of Seeing the Possibilities, said, "Through the programme, I have noticed an improvement in my self-awareness. I gradually realised that I am capable of doing more and thinking outside the box. I discovered that I have more potential to go further than my expectations. Due to my increased self-awareness, I am able to better convey my ideas and have improved cooperation with my teammates, even though we weren't close at all in the beginning."
 
The event combines physical outfits with digital technology – while the Showcase is by invitation, the general public is encouraged to attend the live broadcast, or revisit the fashion pieces on The Art Placer, an online exhibition platform. The platform will be launched at the Showcase and remain available for viewing until 2 September 2023.
 
“Seeing the Possibilities – Youth Fashion Showcase 22/23” 
Review Live Broadcast of the Fashion Showcase & Online Exhibition
From 8 July 2023 (Live from 12nn onwards)
to 2 September 2023
 
 
APPENDIX
 
Photos of “Seeing the Possibilities”
All outfits in the Showcase were designed and created by students of Seeing the Possibilities, who also carried and presented their own creations at the Showcase
 
As designers for the outfits, the students were the best people to showcase and tell the stories behind the garments.
 
 
Students and representatives from KELY Support Group, The PVH Foundation and Sir Ellis Kadoorie Secondary School (West Kowloon) at “Seeing the Possibilities - Youth Fashion Showcase 22/23”.
 
 
 
 
 
The student participants will showcased their products as model during the “Seeing the Possibilities – Youth Fashion Showcase 22/23”.
 
 
Seeing the Possibilities Programme is not only a fashion design programme but also focuses on equipping students with essential life skills. This comprehensive approach empowers youth from ethnic minority backgrounds, fostering self- expression through fashion design while providing them with valuable skills for personal growth and employability.
 
Mentors from PVH Corp. shared their experiences and stories from the fashion industry during a pre-employment training. These insightful interactions provided valuable guidance and inspiration for the participants, helping them gain a deeper understanding of the industry and its potential career paths.
 
 
Fashion Design Training was provided by Fashion Clinic. Their experienced team guided the students through the design process, offering practical knowledge and creative techniques to help them bring their unique visions to life.
 
 
Students were taught all the necessary skills required  to  create  a  fashion  product.  This comprehensive approach encompassed various aspects of the design and production process, ensuring that students gained hands-on experience and a well-rounded understanding of the fashion industry.
 
Detachable white denim jacket and denim mini skirt designed and created by Zya and .
Bleached jacket and black flared jeans presented by one of the groups.
 
  
 
 
For high resolution photos and “Seeing the Possibilities 22/23” Programme Booklet, please download via this link: bit.ly/KELYSTP-mediakit 
 
– End –
 
 
KELY Support Group
KELY Support Group is a Hong Kong-based non-profit organisation that empowers young people aged 14 to 24, with a focus on Chinese- and Non-Chinese-speaking youth from all backgrounds. Our mission is to equip them with the skills, knowledge, and opportunities needed to support themselves and each other, so as to reach their full potential. For more information, please visit kely.org.
 
The PVH Foundation
PVH is committed to driving fashion forward – for good. The PVH Foundation leads its global philanthropic efforts focused on advancing opportunity, belonging, and renewal, particularly among those from groups that have been historically underrepresented or underserved. For more information, please visit pvh.com.
 
Fashion Clinic
Fashion Clinic specialises in redesigning and upcycling deadstock garments and material for individuals, fashion and lifestyle brands as well as corporates, NGOs and theatre groups, creating fashion pieces, artwork, home furnishings and costumes. The process involves deconstruction and reconstruction of garments, recuperating and working with leftover or surplus material, embroidery, needle punching, print and sewing, all done in their studio in Hong Kong. For more information, please visit fashion-clinic.co.
 

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KELY Support Group
2/F, East Wing, 12 Borrett Road
Central
Hong Kong

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