Spotlight On YAFies: Zoe Wong

Zoe Wong
Fuse participating artist and Burberry Inspire Programme Young Leader

YAF is excited to celebrate its third year of running Fuse – a fun and meaningful youth arts programme that creates opportunities for Hong Kong students to explore self-expression through visual and performing arts, while nurturing their confidence and creativity. Fuse is supported by The Burberry Foundation as part of Burberry Inspire, a global youth engagement programme dedicated to providing safe spaces for young people to explore their creativity, develop new skills and foster positive change in their lives and in their communities. 

Zoe’s journey embodies the shared mission of Burberry Inspire and Fuse – empowering young people to lead with creativity, compassion and courage, wherever life takes them.

What inspired you to join the Burberry Inspire Young Leaders Programme?
The Burberry Inspire Young Leaders Programme’s dedication to nurturing creativity and innovation among young people motivated me to join. The programme's focus on empowering young people in the creative industries to share their stories and drive social change, all in pursuit of a better future,  particularly resonates with me. I felt compelled to be part of the opportunity to connect with like-minded individuals from around the world. Together, we can work towards enacting change in a safe and open-minded environment.

Can you share how your experiences with YAF helped shape your leadership style or creative vision?
YAF provided me with numerous opportunities to grow as both a dancer and a choreographer. These experiences allowed me to develop and refine my leadership style from a young age, which has greatly benefited me, not only as a dancer but also as a young designer navigating the fashion industry. From #hashtag to I’mperfect, and other projects in between, I learnt to express my visions and highlight important issues through creative means. Without the supportive platform I was given to showcase my ideas, I wouldn’t have gained the confidence I have in my skills as a young adult today.

How have the Burberry Inspire Young Leaders Programme’s workshops helped you connect with other youth leaders around the world?
Since the workshops were primarily conducted online, I had the opportunity to connect with fellow youth leaders from Japan and South Korea. Engaging in open discussions about social change allowed us to gather diverse perspectives shaped by the unique circumstances in our countries. This made the workshops an invaluable experience, enabling me to connect with individuals I might never have met otherwise. The Burberry on-site mentorship also strengthened the connections with fellow youth leaders. I was able to meet two of my peers from different backgrounds, pursuing different careers. It was incredibly interesting to get to know them.

How do your studies at FIT in New York/Seoul connect with your passion for creativity and social change?
My fashion design studies, which began in Korea and continue in New York this summer, are deeply connected to my passion for creativity and social change. The first two years in Korea provided me with a strong foundation in traditional techniques. As I transition to New York, I’m excited to immerse myself in a multicultural, fast-paced environment that fosters individuality and innovation. This shift will enable me to create designs that not only reflect my artistic vision but also address social issues.

I use fashion design as a medium to express my creativity and thoughts, translating my ideas into wearable art. By combining experiences from Korea and the USA, I aim to use fashion as a platform for storytelling and advocacy, and help drive positive change in the industry.

Is there a social issue you are especially passionate about exploring through storytelling or the arts?
The fashion industry is one of the most environmentally harmful sectors, contributing significantly to pollution, waste and resource depletion. As I pursue a career in fashion, I’m committed to enacting change through sustainability. I believe that creativity and responsibility can coexist, and I aspire to design with purpose by focusing on sustainable practices such as reusing denim scraps to create new pieces. Through my work, I hope to demonstrate that fashion can be both beautiful and environmentally friendly, paving the way for a future where creativity contributes positively to the planet.

What has it been like connecting with Burberry mentors, and how have those relationships influenced you?
Having connected with three Burberry mentors last autumn, my eyes have been opened to a new and broader spectrum of industry knowledge. I gained a lot of insight from hearing about how they worked their way to their dream jobs and about different workplace environments. The mentors emphasised the importance of staying true to yourself in a world where creativity and commercial viability require a fine balance.

Having lived in Hong Kong, Korea – and soon New York – what does “homegrown creativity” mean to you?
My designs are most often inspired by my personal experiences. I believe that what makes each and every one of us unique is how we have grown up – where, with whom, and how we’ve chosen to be influenced by them.

For me, “homegrown creativity” embodies the rich cultural influences I’ve encountered throughout my life. Each place, and the people in them, have shaped my perspective – from my home country, Mauritius, and my second home, Hong Kong, to Korea, where I first experienced living alone, and now soon New York. These experiences inform my artistic voice, allowing me to blend diverse elements into my designs. I see homegrown creativity as a celebration of individuality.

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