Shanghai's fashion industry is constantly distracted by world trends. But more importantly, it does find time to also acknowledge the talent of its own young designers.
Even if we are still in a period of economic downturn, the gifted new faces in the local fashion industry are filled with inspiration and motivation. The years ahead look prosperous and full of hope.
At the IFA Paris Shanghai Graduation Show in the middle of this month, the audience was swept away by the creative strength of the younger generation.
As the show had a World Expo 2010 theme, the student designers were inspired by the indissoluble link between fashion and the urban environment and development. Every element seemed to lead to a better future centering on "Human, City and the World."
The collection from Tang Wenbo, the gold prize winner at the graduation show, boasts touches of ancient architecture.
"When we look into the future, we should never forget the past. The application of brick and concrete elements stands for the city's thriving progress," Tang says. "Adding the color of red brings a Chinese touch. The dress is for the future, but we should never forget the traditional."
From afar, the model wearing her design looks like a female warrior coming from outer space at some time in the future. The audience could let their imagination run riot.
For the graduates of IFA Paris Shanghai, the annual fashion show is the ultimate test of the skills acquired during their time at school.
It also acts as evidence that they are on the way to becoming future stars in the fashion industry.
"I prepared for my show for almost five months, during which I went to bed at 3am and got up at 7am every day. All my work was made by hand," says Yang Mi, from Wenzhou, Zhejiang Province, the silver prize winner. "We have many great and bold ideas. All we want to do is to make life interesting for people."
To match the World Expo theme, Yang incorporates the high-tech concept of solar energy in her designs.
"My collection features the theme of light," she says. "I want to design something that can shine even without light."
Audrey Sorignet, a fashion design teacher at IFA Paris Shanghai, has been in Shanghai for two and a half years. She thinks the city is a good place to cultivate young fashion designers as the information flow is so rapid.
"The place is full of possibilities. The city and its people are resourceful," Sorignet says. "The young designers not only focus on what is happening, but also future elements. I really see their potential."
Different studentshave different ways of finding inspiration.
Tang, the gold prize winner, says photography often gives her an aesthetic feeling, while Yang, the runner-up, says she prefers observing films, entertainment stars and American television series.
However, they all end up with one dream - to become a top fashion designer in the future.
"The biggest change is that the students' designs are becoming more and more localized. Rather than following stereotypes and making slight changes in the works of masters, they are fascinating the audience with creativity," says Lin Bin, marketing director of Siemens China, and one of the judges at the show.
"By thinking deeply about developmental challenges and creative solutions, IFA students not only employ skill and creativity but also reveal an understanding of life as they move forward together into the future," Lin says.
All the winners got a free six-month design course in Paris. The gold prize included a return air ticket to the city as well.
"Fashion designing brings me satisfaction," says Liu Chen, another runner-up at the graduation show. "The graduation show is my debut. My fashion career has just been launched. I will probably go abroad to further my study and fashion will become my life."
