I’m Christina Fong, a contemporary and resortwear designer born and raised in Hong Kong and now based in Los Angeles. My journey into fashion began with my grandmother, who taught me how to sew, sparking my love for craftsmanship.

With a strong focus on sustainability, I’ve designed for brands like Cult Gaia, creating pieces that blend effortless elegance with modern versatility.

I wanted to challenge myself and share my work with a wider audience. The MUSE Creative Awards celebrate innovation and creativity, so it felt like the perfect opportunity to showcase my designs.

Winning this award is incredibly meaningful to me. Personally, it’s a reminder of how far I’ve come on my journey. Professionally, it’s an honor to have my work recognized on such a global platform—it motivates me to keep pushing the boundaries of fashion.

My success comes from being open to learning and never giving up. Fashion is always evolving, and I believe staying curious and adaptable is key to growth. Having lived in Hong Kong, the UK, and now Los Angeles, I draw a lot of inspiration from travel and different cultures. My work reflects this blend, creating pieces that feel both unique and timeless.

I believe what set my project apart was its deep cultural inspiration, combined with a fresh, modern approach to resortwear. I drew from traditional Hong Kong gates and the iconic red, white, and blue patterns found on everyday bags there. By translating the gate pattern into a unique eyelet design, I created something that feels both distinctive and wearable.

This fusion of heritage and contemporary style made the project stand out—it’s not just visually striking but also tells a meaningful story through design.

One of the biggest challenges was perfecting the laser-cut details. I had to test multiple fabrics to find the right one that could handle the precision of laser cutting while still maintaining its structure and softness for resortwear.

It took a lot of trial and error, but through experimentation and problem-solving, I found a material that worked beautifully. Overcoming this challenge made the final design even more special, as every detail was carefully refined to achieve the perfect balance of craftsmanship and wearability.

Winning this award is such an honor, and I hope it opens new doors for my career. Recognition like this validates my work and pushes me to keep evolving as a designer.

In the long run, I hope it leads to more collaborations and opportunities to showcase my designs on a larger scale. It’s also been a great way to connect with other creatives and industry professionals. I’ve already noticed increased interest in my work, and I’m excited to see where this recognition takes me next.

The reaction has been incredibly positive! People have really connected with the cultural inspiration behind the design, especially the way I reinterpreted traditional Hong Kong elements into a modern resortwear piece.

One of the most memorable moments was hearing from people who recognized the red, white, and blue pattern from their own childhoods—it sparked nostalgia and appreciation, which was so rewarding. The recognition has also led to exciting new conversations and opportunities, and I’m grateful for the support and enthusiasm surrounding my work.

My biggest piece of advice is to stay curious, keep learning, and never give up. Success doesn’t happen overnight—it comes from persistence and a willingness to experiment and grow.

When it comes to creating award-worthy work, I think it’s important to have a strong point of view. Find inspiration in your own experiences, culture, or surroundings, and translate that into something unique. Attention to detail and craftsmanship also make a huge difference.

Most importantly, believe in your vision. If you’re passionate about your work, that authenticity will shine through and connect with others.

The creative industry is always evolving, and I see these changes as opportunities to innovate. Sustainability, technology, and cultural storytelling are becoming more important than ever, and I want to continue designing with these elements in mind.

In the future, I hope to be recognized not only for my designs but also for my commitment to sustainability. I want to create pieces that are both innovative and responsible—blending heritage with modernity while contributing to a more conscious fashion industry.

I know putting your work out there can be daunting, but growth comes from stepping outside your comfort zone. Competitions aren’t just about winning—they’re a chance to gain exposure, refine your vision, and build confidence.

Believe in your work and take the leap. You never know what opportunities might come from it!

Creativity is always stronger when we support and learn from each other. Stay open, keep pushing boundaries, and don’t be afraid to share your unique perspective. Let’s continue to lift each other up and inspire new ideas together.

This achievement is not just mine—it’s a reflection of the support and inspiration I’ve received along the way. I’d love to dedicate it to my grandmother, who first taught me how to sew.

I’m also incredibly grateful to the teams I’ve worked with, the mentors who have guided me, and the friends and family who have always believed in me. Their support and encouragement mean everything.

My entry reimagines traditional Hong Kong gate patterns and red, white, and blue textiles into a unique resortwear design that blends cultural heritage with modern craftsmanship.

I have some exciting new opportunities in different areas that will challenge me and push me as a designer. I’m looking forward to exploring new techniques, sustainability, and cultural storytelling in fresh ways while continuing to grow creatively.