Mr Barney CHENG founded his atelier, Yenrabi, in 1993 and since then, his extravagant yet simple style can be seen on entrance-making gowns as well as in less formal garb such as jewels and uniform designs.  His signature also extends to his famous “cheongsam” series.  His designs have found kindred souls across the social elites and celebrities, and were featured in the internationally acclaimed TV series “America’s Next Top Model”.  

Mr Cheng graduated from The University of Waterloo, Canada, with a Bachelor’s Degree in Fine Arts.  He also studied Textile and Design at the Royal College of Art in London, and studied Fashion Illustration and History of European Costume at the Parson’s School of Design in Paris.  Mr Cheng obtained numerous prestigious awards including “Most Stylish Personality” (1999) and “Designer of the Year” by Harper’s Bazaar Hong Kong (2002), “Hong Kong’s Best Designer” award by Moet et Chandon (2002), “Ten Outstanding Designers Awards” by the Hong Kong Communication Art Centre (2005), and “Fashion Designer of the Year” by Bazaar’s Style Awards (2006).  Mr Cheng was named one of the “25 Influential Chinese in Global Fashion” by Forbes China in 2010.  Mr Cheng is a member of Hong Kong Fashion Designers Association.

Apart from design talents, Mr Cheng also keenly supports the Alpha programme and various charities including the Hong Kong Cancer Fund, the Crossroads Foundation and International Care Ministries.

Mr Cheng is enthusiastic in nurturing young designers.  He was a judge at Hong Kong Design Institute (HKDI) Graduation Fashion Show 2009.  In 2014, Mr Cheng was a key mentor in the Weekend Upcycling Workshop in which he gave valuable guidance to a group of HKDI students on design of upcycling fashion items for elderlies from an elderly centre.  He also spoke at the design seminar, “Fashion Dialogue: Aspirations, Creations, Innovations”, organised by HKDI in 2014 as part of the London Fashion Experience event.