Chinese kids take to New York runway

While supermodels strut the runways at most New York Fashion Week shows, cheerful pint-sized models from China took over one catwalk as designer Amelie Wang showcased her new parent-child collection.

Dressed in stylish outfits showing unique Chinese elements, more than 40 Chinese kids were joined by adult models on Saturday as they displayed over 50 pieces, including traditional Chinese qipao dresses, Tang suits and skirts from the brand’s spring/summer 2019 collection, with the theme of “Journey to the East — the Dunhuang Diary”.

“I feel very excited; it’s a very unique opportunity,” said 11-year-old Li Zhouhang from Beijing, who started modeling at the age of 4. “(Walking the runway at NYFW) let me feel more special and international.”

“I really like this brand because I like the colorful prints and the delicate embroidery paintings on its clothes,” said Liang Hao, 9, from Beijing.

Liang Hao said she started modeling at age 6 and has always wanted to be a designer or a supermodel. “I like fashion and I like the runway,” she added.

“This is the first time we have come to the NYFW, and we come with more than 40 families from China,” said Cao Zhenhai, CEO of Amelie Wang. “We hope to bring the traditional Chinese cultural elements and Chinese aesthetics to the international audience from the perspective of children.”

Cao said the 53 children featured in the show are from more than five countries, including China, the US, and Canada.

Elly Shin, the brand’s chief business officer, said this season was inspired by the uniquely beautiful flowers and vegetation of Northwest China’s Gansu province, featuring animals, clouds, fire, and aesthetic geometry.

“We also found many interesting and unique patterns and shapes from Dunhuang murals that children might be interested in,” said Shin. “We use these patterns in the design of children’s clothing to showcase the art and history behind it.”

Shin said the brand receives many orders every month from overseas customers. “Most of our customers are from the US; they like the Chinese silk embroidery very much,” said Shin.

With the new Chinese style as its core concept, the brand integrates traditional details of Eastern culture in its designs and has always adhered to the concept of “Keep Tradition Alive”.

Established in 2008 as a fabric supplier in Shanghai, Amelie Wang specializes in new, Chinese-style parent-child clothing design and customization. The house has participated in 2016 China Fashion Week in Beijing, and Dubai Children’s wear Fashion Week in 2018. It has stores in more than 10 cities in China, including Hangzhou, Chongqing, and Xi’an.