Handy with fashion tech

Inspiration

"I had to complete a whole team's work by myself in the competition. From design and plate-making to craft work and more — all were covered in the five modules," Hu says, adding that to win the competition, she had to master a skill in each area without weakness.

Hu won the gold medal in 2017 after scoring 8 points higher than the silver-medal winner. Two years earlier, Chen was only one point away from the gold medal, but ranked third.

When standing on the podium to receive the gold medal, Hu was excited.

"For me, the competition was a process of exploration and joy, and help among competitors. The experience is unforgettable," Hu says.

Hu studied for two years on a full scholarship at the Beijing campus of French fashion design school Esmod after her 2017 win.

"At Esmod, my designing skill improved greatly and I learned how to present my ideas about garments," she says.

Hu returned to Beijing Industry and Trade Technician College to teach after that. "Teaching is a good process of constantly accumulating knowledge because when you teach, you also have to improve yourself," she adds.

Gao Ziyi, 21, one of Hu students, says with not much of an age gap, Hu is always willing to discuss with her ideas even though some are quirky. "When she tries to convince you to make a change, she is persuasive rather than forceful," Gao says.