‘Made in China’ given new meaning as Paris embraces Chinese fashion designers

Brands are disproving outdated stereotypes about Chinese-made clothing being of lower quality

Chinese boutiques making their mark internationally while becoming more desirable to domestic consumers

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A model presents a creation by Shiatzy Chen during a fashion show in Paris. Photo: AFP

Published: 3:22pm, 27 Dec 2019Updated: 11:11pm, 27 Dec 2019

“Made in China” may still evoke more off-the-rack than catwalk, but Chinese designers are slowly installing themselves in Paris, the fashion capital, as a part of an upscale march towards the lucrative luxury market, a segment that is increasingly made up of Chinese shoppers.

As Paris gears up for its next run of shows early in the new year, it is clear that Chinese designers have made it into the rarefied world of fashion.

Think Guo Pei, the Chinese-born and trained couturier best known for the massive canary-yellow coronation cape worn by Rihanna that stole the show at the New York Met’s 2015 gala.

Guo, who has a Paris boutique, will present her haute culture collection. Several other Chinese designers, such as Uma Wang, Masha Ma, Yang Li, Jarel Zhang, Dawei and Shangguan Zhe, will show their collections at the ready-to-wear shows in February.

Guo Pei is among the Chinese designers who have made a name for themselves in Paris. Photo: Handout

“We’re starting to see fashion coming from China aimed at the entire world and which is creating new ideas about the country – a new ‘Made in China’ of quality and refinement,” Isabelle Capron, head of Chinese fashion group Icicle’s Paris office, said.