Alumnus Youngjin Choe wins Lichting 2025
On 3 September, the future of Dutch fashion took the stage at Circa Amsterdam during Lichting 2025. Ten recent graduates from fashion academies across the Netherlands presented their collections to an international audience and to a jury that reached a unanimous decision: Youngjin Choe, graduate of our Fashion Design bachelor is this year’s winner.
Heritage meets rebellion
With his graduation collection Duality of Light, Youngjin impressed the jury through his refined balance of craftsmanship and tension. Familiar garments are reshaped into sculptural forms — leather jackets morph into bustle-like silhouettes, while belts and knots constrict the body into poses that feel both regal and restrained. The collection explores the contrast between elegance and discomfort, asking how clothing can both free and confine us.
The strength of a new generation
For nineteen years, Lichting has been the leading platform showcasing the Netherlands’ most promising fashion graduates. The 2025 edition brought also other ArtEZ alumni Dorka Szabo and Jamie Lugtenberg - each presenting a distinct voice in contemporary fashion.
With this award, Youngjin not only concludes his studies at ArtEZ with recognition, but also represents a new generation ready to redefine the boundaries of fashion.
About Lichting
Lichting annually unites the most talented fashion graduates from across the Netherlands. Participants present their work to an international audience and a jury of professionals from fashion, media and creative industries. This year’s jury included Hussein Suleiman (Daily Paper), Timitej Letonja (Numéro Netherlands), Inkea Bouman (Strategic Design Lead), Nico Zulatto (Volks Management Studio) and Silke Geib (ABOUT:FASHION).
Next year, Lichting will celebrate its twentieth edition with an exhibition honouring two decades of Dutch fashion talent.