Winning designer Huishan Zhang adds esteem for 'Made in China'
Huishan Zhang has scooped up the Dorchester Collection Fashion Prize, launched in 2010 and the first fashion award given by a major hotel chain.
The Chinese-born, Central Saint Martins-trained designer, who produces his entire collection in China, beat three other finalists - Brazilian Barbara Casasola, Latvian-Israeli combo Fyodor Golan and New Zealander Emilia Wickstead.
We weren’t voting for the best designer, but for potential
Blending classic Eastern lines with Western wearability, Zhang won over the 20 judges with a presentation of highlights of the first five collections after launching his business in 2011.
His couture "Dragon Dress" had to be remade for the Dorchester presentation because London's Victoria and Albert Museum had selected it as a permanent piece in its T.T. Tsui Gallery, making him the first Chinese contemporary designer to receive the honour.
Originally working with couture and moving towards ready-to-wear, he uses intricate lace and embroidered detailing on sweet, modern dresses that have quickly seduced buyers from London, Paris, Saudi Arabia, Russia and the US, as well as Joyce in Hong Kong and Shanghai. He recently picked up Barneys in New York and Beverly Hills as stockists.
The 31-year-old from Qingdao says his win "gives people another perspective on what 'Made in China' means". His collection is made in Qingdao, where his mother helps oversee production in what he describes as "an intimate family-run business".
"Winning this award means so much to me. I have been receiving texts from buyers and potential buyers, congratulating me. It is going to help me build the business on an international level, so this is an incredible opportunity," he says.