London and Singapore-based designers win Red Carpet Green Dress contest

By

Sandra Halliday

Published
Nov 2, 2021

The Red Carpet Green Dress (RCGD) contest winners have been announced with this year's winning duo being UK-based Yuriko Fukuda and Singapore’s Zhi Hong Benjamin Koh.

The contest, in partnership with Tencel and software specialist CLO, involved applicants designing a sustainable gown or a suit and was open to emerging and established designers over the age of 21. 

Applicants submitted a digital sketch of their sustainable red carpet design before the international contest closed in August. The designs themselves haven't been released but they'll be given a big publicity boost early next year.

So now to the winners. Born in Japan, Yuriko Fukuda is this year's womenswear winner. As a current Regents University London student, she “strongly believes in sustainable fashion”. 

She said: “Expressing myself through design feels like meditation. Our minds and art are indeed interconnected, having a bi-directional impact on our mental health. Fashion is a work of art and I believe it has the power to control our mind and body. Sustainable fashion revolves around timeless cuts, durability, natural resources and perceived health benefits, it's a unique way of presenting luxury. Sustainability is an exciting and new way of creating a better future for all.”

Meanwhile, Singapore-based fashion, textile and product designer Zhi Hong Benjamin Koh is this year's menswear winner. 

Having studied at Singapore Polytechnic, in 2016, he founded The Material Atelier by BEN, a multi-disciplinary creative studio focused on seeking sustainable fashion, featuring collaborations with local artists to create sustainable wearable art. 

“One of our goals is to inform the public through informative videos about what goes into the material and the design of their garments”, he said. “Since its launch, the atelier has created a few products, one of which won a Merit Award at the Singapore Creator Award Competition in 2019.”

The two designs chosen by the winners will be put into production in early 2022 with “sustainable eco-couture textiles” in collaboration with Tencel and sponsored by CLO. The looks will be showcased as part of an exhibition to leading sustainable advocates in Los Angeles. 

The winners “will be introduced to a sustainable fashion and entertainment audience from across the globe” with their designs being produced and worn at the Red Carpet Green Dress event next year.

The winners will also receive a monetary award and business mentorship with RCGD's CEO Samata Pattinson, plus support and access to RCGD's extensive network, and creative support for their fledgling careers.

Pattinson said: “The global design contest is such a great opportunity for those who are eager to immerse themselves and learn more. As a former winner myself, I know the incredible opportunities brought forward to the winners and I'm excited to watch Yuriko Fukuda and Zhi Hong Benjamin Koh grow and gain their place in the sustainable world.”

Harold Weghorst, VP of Global Marketing & Branding at Lenzing, who was also on the judging panel, added: "Yuriko and Benjamin present a strong statement of sustainability with beautiful and elegant designs which aim to improve other people's lives by reducing carbon footprint. We are delighted to announce them as our well-deserved winners.”