Fiona Poon wanted to bridge the gap between sustainable fashion and consumer interest. She discovered that high costs often discouraged eco-friendly choices, so she added emotional value by designing a unique IP character for her products. Alongside Rita Wong and Amy Ng, Fiona’s team won first runner-up at the Open Lab Global Challenge. The project made her aware of Hong Kong’s fashion waste problem and the need for responsible business practices.
With support from Professor Magnum Lam and industry experts, Fiona learned to balance commercial and sustainable goals. As a first-year student, she gained hands-on experience in business, character design, and 3D modeling, expanding her skills and inspiring her to pursue meaningful innovation in fashion.
Ms. POON Fiona
School of Fashion and Textiles
Fiona learned about the challenges and costs associated with using organic materials and eco-friendly production techniques in fashion. She understood that while these practices are better for the environment, they often result in higher upfront costs, which can deter both consumers and businesses from adopting them widely.
She explored the concept of the intention-action gap, where consumers express a desire for sustainability but do not follow through due to factors like price or convenience. Fiona’s project focused on bridging this gap by adding emotional value to sustainable products, making them more appealing and encouraging actual purchase behavior.
Inspired by the success of POP MART, Fiona learned about the power of original IP character design in fashion branding. By featuring a unique character on sustainable products, she aimed to create emotional connections with consumers, driving both brand loyalty and interest in sustainability.
Fiona reflected on the rise of fast fashion and online shopping in Hong Kong, noting the resulting increase in clothing waste—300–400 tonnes daily. She gained knowledge about the environmental consequences of current industry practices and the urgent need for more responsible consumption and production.
Through her project, Fiona explored the process of developing fashion products from concept to execution, including the use of 3D modeling and AI tools. This technical knowledge is increasingly important in modern fashion design, enabling rapid prototyping and visualization of new ideas.
Fiona evaluated her project from both consumer and business viewpoints, recognizing the intention-action gap in sustainable fashion. By considering multiple perspectives, she was able to identify real-world barriers and devise solutions that balanced commercial and environmental needs—a vital skill for lifelong learning and problem-solving.
Inspired by POP MART’s viral IP characters, Fiona applied creative thinking to design an original character for sustainable products. This innovative approach added emotional value and market appeal, demonstrating her ability to think outside the box and develop unique solutions to complex challenges.
Fiona and her team faced setbacks when initial ideas were deemed unfeasible. They adapted by consulting with industry experts and their advisor, refining their concept based on practical advice and market realities. Lifelong learners embrace feedback and adjust their strategies to achieve better outcomes.
Balancing academic workload with project deadlines required Fiona to manage her time effectively. She learned to prioritize tasks and maintain focus under pressure, a crucial skill for lifelong learning in both academic and professional settings.
As a first-year student with no prior fashion business experience, Fiona proactively sought knowledge in operational concepts, IP character design, product development, and 3D modeling using AI. Her willingness to learn new skills and broaden her expertise beyond the classroom exemplifies the spirit of lifelong learning.
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