CHINA IS THE latest buzz word in the fashion industry and you need only look at the country's glittering new designer shops, its own edition of Vogue and the fast-growing economy to see why. International designer brands are choosing to manufacture on the mainland over Spain, Italy or France, and homegrown names such as Haier and Lenovo/IBM are slowly becoming familiar overseas.
But even though greater China is viewed as the future for many fashion brands, there are those who question whether the country can produce an original designer brand that can compete at the international level.
Shanghai Tang is the first and, so far, only Chinese luxury brand to make a name overseas. But it may not be alone for long, as two others (one based in Hong Kong and the other in Taiwan) seek to promote their own visions on Chinese chic - on their own terms.
After a fruitless search to find a quality, padded mian ao (hip-length, loose-fitting Chinese jacket) in Hong Kong, Kin Yeung ended up designing one himself. He says he never imagined it would lead to the creation of a brand. Since its launch in 1993, Blanc de Chine has built a strong following with its clean, almost minimalist lines, and designs that remain firmly rooted in Chinese culture.
Taiwanese designer Wang Chen Tsai-shia saw a niche in the local market for Chinese-inspired clothing for career women. She launched her label, Shiatzy Chen, 27 years ago and now has six boutiques, including one in Paris.
Although the brands have different aesthetics - Blanc de Chine is subtle in its silhouettes and colours, whereas Shiatzy Chen is known for intricate and elaborate treatments such as embroidery and beading - both gain inspiration from Chinese arts and culture and share an ambition to become international brands.