Designer Liu Min creates looks for the modern woman

all eyes have been on China, as the country's citizens have evolved from mere consumers to creators of luxury fashion. While the first generation of designers such as Qiu Hao captivated the West with their luxe looks, the next wave of talent is focusing on the contemporary market with wearable designs that cater to the needs of modern Chinese women.

Leading the charge is Ms Min founder Liu Min, who launched her label in 2010, and is already being stocked by Lane Crawford.

"There is a great deal of strength and femininity with Ms Min," says Sarah Rutson, fashion director of Lane Crawford and one of Liu's mentors. "I would say her brand and design style is so much about who the Chinese woman is - full of strength but with an outward show of femininity.

"There is also a sense of nostalgic mid-century modern combined with intelligent clean lines that are very today."

Liu grew up in the coastal city of Xiamen, and learned about fashion from foreign fashion magazines. By the age of 14, she knew she wanted to be a fashion designer.

"I used to shop with my mum and we would go to these Shanghai clothing trade fairs. I'd go from booth to booth with her, looking at the details and feeling different moods from different assortments," Liu says. "Back then I was just looking at clothes, later I fell in love with clothing and arts."

She later chose to study in London after reading about Vivienne Westwood and the city's flea markets, graduating with a BA in women's wear from London College of Fashion in 2007. This was followed by a stint working with design duo Viktor & Rolf in their atelier in Amsterdam, where she learned about the importance of details and fabrics.