Chinese designers turn heads at London Fashion Week

Models dressed in Zhang Huishan's Autumn/Winter 2017 colletion at London Fashin Week.[Zhou Xingzuo/China Daily]

Chinese and East Asian fashion and accessories designers have made their mark at this year’s London Fashion Week.

Among those sharing their latest collection is Chinese-born and Dior haute couture-trained designer Zhang Huishan.

Zhang, who launched his label in 2010, was born in Qingdao,in East China’s Shandong province, and left his hometown at 17 to spend time in New Zealand, Paris and London.

He graduated from the prestigious Central Saint Martins College of Art and Design in London. Zhang’s designs are often inspired by his heritage and an East-meets-West concept.

Since graduating, his designs have hung on the rails of Browns Department Stores in the United Kingdom and have been archived by the Victoria & Albert Museum in London.

Although a regular at London Fashion Week since 2011, this was only the second time he had staged a catwalk show at the event. His first was in September.

The Chinese designer’s Autumn/Winter 2017 collection unveiled at the 65th London Fashion Week pays a subtle tribute to Chinese literature.

“We draw on Chinese influences,” Zhang said. “Some pieces, you can see from the print, are similar to a Chinese painter’s work. It is like an infusion of autumn time - romantic and beautiful.”

The London-based designer also delved into French bohemia for his collection.

“It is a continuation of the work we’ve already been doing and we keep developing the image of the woman that we really dream of,” he said. “The inspiration is from this movie called Chocolat. The collection is something that is beautiful and romantic and also an infusion of cultural references.”

Zhang said the collection will be seen in other markets.

“It has been a great start to the season and we will head into Paris next to promote our collection and continue working on the Eastern heritage meets Western influences theme.”

Li Xiao’s collectionwas also unveiled in London.

Li, said to be one of China’s most promising talent.