A two-round design contest celebrating creativity rooted in Hmong cultural design. The first Hmong New Year celebration to showcase this competition — proposed by SHNY President Kathy Yang to promote and uplift Hmong talents.
In recent years, we've gained talented designers who have modernized our Hmong fashions — inspiring a new generation of young creators. The Sacramento Hmong New Year is proud to be the first Hmong New Year celebration to showcase this kind of competition.
The contest celebrates creativity rooted in Hmong cultural design, structured across two themed rounds — Casual/Street Wear and Formal Evening/Banquet Gown. Both rounds invite designers to interpret Hmong motifs, textiles, and storytelling through both everyday and formal silhouettes.
We want others to follow our lead. By creating this platform, SHNY is committing to elevate Hmong-inspired design talent and craftsmanship, showcase diverse interpretations of Hmong textile arts, and deliver real, measurable outcomes — prize distribution, exposure, and opportunities — for the finalists who walk our stage.
Each entry must include outfits for both a male and a female model. Designers may enter one round or both — and the combined registration is the best value for those competing across the full competition.
Each entry must be a complete casual outfit — shirt, tie, pant, or dress — for both male and female models. Entries must clearly reference Hmong design elements in a wearable, modern context.
Design an outfit for both male and female suitable for a formal banquet or party setting — with unmistakable Hmong influences in motifs, silhouette reinterpretation, embroidery, appliqué, or fabric choices.
One designer badge and two parking passes for all three festival days. Designers are responsible for purchasing any additional tickets needed for their models — advance tickets recommended.
Open to designers of all backgrounds who commit to creating Hmong-themed entries and meet registration requirements. Submission of required materials before deadline, adherence to round guidelines, and respectful representation of Hmong culture are mandatory.
Judges will evaluate every entry across six weighted criteria. Emphasis is on respectful, authentic, and thoughtful interpretation of Hmong designs.
Hmong-inspired interpretation — fresh, distinct, and rooted in cultural design without being derivative.
Execution of construction, finishing, and detail work. The quality of the garment itself, beyond the concept.
Hmong cultural storytelling — how clearly and meaningfully the design speaks to the prompt of its round.
Can the garment actually be worn in its intended context — daily life for casual, formal event for evening wear?
How the designer presents their work and the story behind it — visually, verbally, and in any accompanying materials.
Inventive use of fabric, structure, or technique — pushing what Hmong-inspired design can be while respecting its roots.
The inaugural Hmong Fashion Designer Contest is publicly announced. Information packets, round guidelines, and judging criteria distributed to interested designers and the broader community.
Online registration opens. Designers can register for Casual/Street Wear ($30), Formal Evening Wear ($50), or the combined two-round package ($75).
Final deadline for all applications, registration fees, and required submission materials. Late applications will not be accepted.
Designers present their casual/street wear entries with male and female models at the Pavilion Building, across from Building C.
Designers present their formal evening wear entries. Judges evaluate entries in both rounds across the six weighted criteria.
All Casual/Street Wear and Formal Evening Wear finalists walk the main stage one after another — the largest audience of the entire weekend.
Winners in both categories announced on the main stage. Cash prizes presented to top three finishers in each round.