Design Incubation
PROFASHION Design Incubation is an academic–industry collaboration supported by Open Dialogue and the School of Fashion and Textiles (SFT), The Hong Kong Polytechnic University. Grounded in contemporary streetwear culture, the initiative is designed to nurture emerging fashion talent by integrating academic learning with industry practice.
Selected SFT students will have the opportunity to develop, test, and refine their design concepts under the direct supervision of industry experts, with outcomes presented under the label Open Dialogue × STORE by PolyU Fashion. The incubation framework promotes open creative exchange while guiding students toward market-relevant, production-ready collection development.
The programme places a strong emphasis on professional competency and practical learning impact. Students will gain first-hand exposure to the end-to-end fashion workflow - from concept development and design to sampling, production, and retail marketing - strengthening their understanding of technical standards, process discipline, and commercial considerations. Through this experience, participants are expected to enhance their ability to make informed design decisions, communicate effectively within professional settings, and translate creative ideas into products aligned with real-world constraints and opportunities.
Selected SFT students will have the opportunity to develop, test, and refine their design concepts under the direct supervision of industry experts, with outcomes presented under the label Open Dialogue × STORE by PolyU Fashion. The incubation framework promotes open creative exchange while guiding students toward market-relevant, production-ready collection development.
The programme places a strong emphasis on professional competency and practical learning impact. Students will gain first-hand exposure to the end-to-end fashion workflow - from concept development and design to sampling, production, and retail marketing - strengthening their understanding of technical standards, process discipline, and commercial considerations. Through this experience, participants are expected to enhance their ability to make informed design decisions, communicate effectively within professional settings, and translate creative ideas into products aligned with real-world constraints and opportunities.
Student Design Team
SANTOSO, Ashley Emmanuelle (year 2)
COSTAN, Chelsea Jenia (year 2)
CHENG, Hei Lam (year 2)
RUSOVA, Elizaveta (year 2)
SHAKIRZIANOVA, Leila (year 2)
GURUNG, Rachana (year 2)
Mentor
About Mr Joe Wong
Joe Wong is the Director of Trinity Chain Holding Limited and the founder of Open Dialogue and Popcorn General Store, which together form a streetwear retail platform operating across Hong Kong, Mainland China, and Southeast Asia. Since establishing his business in 2009, Joe has developed lifestyle fashion brands through strategic collaborations, omnichannel marketing, and innovative retail initiatives.
Beyond his commercial success, Joe is committed to supporting fashion and business education in Hong Kong. He serves as a Project Advisor at the School of Fashion and Textiles at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) and as a Board Member of the Hong Kong Design Institute (HKDI), a member institution of the Vocational Training Council (VTC). He has also contributed to the HSBC/HKU Asia Pacific Business Case Challenge as a real‑world case contributor and panel judge, bringing industry insights into academic learning and strengthening connections between industry and higher education.
About Prof. Tsai-Chun Huang
Tsai-Chun Huang earned his Ph.D. from the Royal College of Art, London, and is an assistant professor in the School of Fashion and Textiles at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University. Before his Ph.D. he designed for theatre and television in Taiwan and during doctoral study led pleating workshops at institutions including FIT, Parsons, NYU, RCA and Instituto Marangoni. He integrates traditional craft with technology - using 3D printing and smart textiles to redesign pleats and costumes for Taiwanese folk legend, Beijing and Cantonese opera. His work has been exhibited widely (V&A, Tainan, Palermo, Prague Quadrennial, Hull 2017, Venice Biennale 2025) and shown at Tsinghua and the UN Head Quarter. Since joining PolyU in 2020 his research has shifted toward activewear, exploring pleating structures to enhance athletic performance and prevent injury while balancing function and aesthetics. His interdisciplinary publications and awards include the Red Dot 2025 Design Concept.