Chinese fashion struts on global stage

Mixing elements from centuries-old culture with a modern twist, more designers, such as Meng and Zhang, have carved themselves a niche in the fashion industry, both within China and overseas. In June, Nie Ruohan was one of the six finalists for the Andam Grand Prize at the 35th edition of the Andam Fashion Awards in Paris, an important launchpad for emerging designers. A graduate of New York's Parsons School of Design, Nie founded her eponymous New York-based label in 2020.

"Before this show, my understanding of traditional culture was superficial, but when I dug deeper, I found a trove in front of me to tap into," Meng says, adding that he feels that using Chinese elements is important for domestic designers and brands to go global.

Meng designed five outfits inspired by Dehua porcelain for the show. He blended the texture of porcelain with clothing.

Blanc de Chine is the name given to the white porcelain made in Dehua, a town in Fujian. Historically, its potters made a wide range of white porcelain and other ceramic products. In the 18th century, the popularity of Blanc de Chine inspired European potters to develop their own hard-paste white porcelain. Today, Dehua still thrives as a porcelain town, boasting both industrial success as well as artistic creativity.