The Talent: Declan Chan

"I studied multimedia design at Polytechnic University and interned at photographer Wing Shya's studio, Shya-la-la, when I was at university. I was exposed to a lot of fashion shoots and met up with different leaders in the field, like [make-up artist] Zing and [stylist] Sean K. I decided that would be the path to pursue."

"I've worked with Freja Beha and Stella Tennant a lot these past few seasons. For me, they are fixtures in the modelling world, in a league of girls whose presence and attitude are so strong. They are the epitome of the term 'effortless', which is the quality I strive for in my work."

"After Paris Fashion Week, I made an effort to see some young designers in their showrooms. One of them is my friend Robert Wun, who is from Hong Kong and now based in London. His work is very conceptual and he has a great sense of shape, texture and form, almost like a landscape in some pieces."

"China's fashion designers are very forward these days. A few really made a name for themselves overseas like Masha Ma, Uma Wang, Yang Li, Huishan Zhang, Xander Zhou … they all have international stockists. To me, these fashion designers really pushed forward and created brands with a global take, with a hint of their roots. You don't really see them as Chinese designers - they speak to a global audience.

"For the contemporary fashion market in China, again, they cater for international tastes, which Chinese customers yearn for. Like the brand Mo&Co, which I consult for, its collection is very modern and contemporary, that is not only appealing to Chinese consumers but also to overseas markets. Overall, the fashion scene in China is expanding and reaching the West while local customers are embracing local brands more and becoming more proud of China."