Submission Guidelines:

• Participants must upload their design sketches, recent portfolio, and a copy of the entry form to a private and secure link by Monday, April 20, 2026.

• Send the link to info@sparklecollection.co (this email address is for link only, files will not be accepted).

Design requirements for cheongsam or Tang suits:

• The design must be based on the fashionable Chinese style, and adopt the characteristics or elements of traditional Chinese cheongsam or Tang suits, including but not limited to Chinese tie strips, Chinese flower buttons, Chinese stand-up collars, and open fronts, etc.

• It must contain elements of both Chinese and Western styles.

• The overall design of the cheongsam or Tang suit must use at least 50% of the SPARKLE by KAREN CHAN printed fabric provided by the conference and at least 20% denim fabric.

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Evaluation criteria:​

• Convention fabric usage 30%

• Application of Chinese elements, cheongsam or Tang suit craftsmanship 20%

• Alignment with the convention theme and creative concept 30%

• Overall design effect 20%

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Submitted documents:

• Design plan sketches (including front, back, side, and illustrations)

• Design concept overview (200-500 words Chinese theme description)

• Recent personal portfolio

Competition email submission format:

• Email subject name: “SPARKLE_NICS 2026_Participant's Full English Name”

• The design file is named "SPARKLE_NICS 2026_Floor Plan_Participant's Full English Name".

• The entry form file name is "SPARKLE_NICS 2026_Entry Form_Entry's Full English Name".

• The portfolio file name is "SPARKLE_NICS 2026_Portfolio_Entrant's Full English Name".

• Provide a private and secure link for the conference to download design sketches, files, and entry forms.

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Preliminary results:

• Participants do not need to attend the preliminary judging

• The semifinalists will be announced on April 30, 2026 (Thursday)

Submission Guidelines:

• The final work must be identical to the initial draft. If there are significant differences, they must not exceed 30%, and a written explanation detailing the reasons for the changes must be provided. Otherwise, the work will be disqualified.

• The designs must be made into wearable cheongsams or Tang suits, along with shoes and accessories, and submitted to the designated location on or before August 1, 2026 (Saturday).

• The cover indicates that it is an entry for the "SPARKLE Next In Chinese Style 2026" competition.

Guidelines:

• Participants must attend the semifinal in person; those who fail to attend will be considered to have forfeited.

• Participants must give a 5-minute presentation on their work and share their design concept on the day of the semifinal.

• Participants must prepare an overall styling design for the mannequins on the day of the competition, including but not limited to footwear and accessories for display.

Requirements for Casual Wear (Cheongsam or Tang Suit):

• At least three photos of the finished look are required;

• The design needs to be made into a wearable cheongsam or Tang suit (please refer to Appendix 2 and Appendix 3 of the application form for sizes);

• The final work should primarily use the SPARKLE by KAREN CHAN printed fabric and the denim fabric provided by the brand. Participants may use other materials, but the SPARKLE by KAREN CHAN printed fabric must account for 50% or more of the overall work.

• All unused fabric or scraps provided by the brand must be returned to the brand and may not be used for any other purpose.

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Evaluation criteria:​

• Convention fabric usage 30%

• Application of Chinese elements, cheongsam or Tang suit craftsmanship 30%

• Alignment with the convention theme and creative concept  20%

• Overall design effect 20%

Semifinal: 

Date: August 14, 2026 (Friday)

Location: Hong Kong Design Institute (HKDI)

**Semifinal results will be announced on the same day.

Requirements:

• Finalists must attend and assist the brand in person at the CENTRESTAGE 2026 fashion show, including model fittings, the event preview, and performance day, to ensure the smooth running of the entire brand event.

• Finalists must provide runway styling, accessories, and footwear for models arranged by the brand to wear its designs.

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Evaluation criteria:​

• Convention fabric usage 30%

• Application of Chinese elements, cheongsam or Tang suit craftsmanship 30%

• Alignment with the convention theme and creative concept 20%

• Overall design effect 20%

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Finals: 
Date: September 5, 2026 (Saturday)
Location: Centrestage, HKCEC

**Winner, 1st runner-up, 2nd runner-up, and other awardees will be announced on the day of the finals.