China Makes Headway in Fashion Design

I have been writing about the role of design as a stimulus for economic growth. Earlier articles have focused on industrial design. This article provides some insight into the growing role of Chinese fashion designers--another important dimension of the design world.

Six Chinese designers will unveil their creations during Paris fashion week as part of France's year-long celebration of Chinese culture, providing a window into a key market for the world's luxury houses.

"China is an extraordinary land of opportunity for the future. We cannot ignore this country. It's the world's biggest workshop but our houses are also making money there," said French fashion federation president Didier Grumbach ahead of next week's events.

"China is in the same position that Japan held about a decade ago. It should become an equally important market, which is why our companies are developing strategies to seduce and conquer it," noted Elisabeth Consolle des Portes of the Colbert Committee, which brings together 65 French luxury goods firms.

But as for homegrown world-class fashion talent, industry experts say China has a long way to go. "It will take a long time to develop Chinese name brands. It's a long, long process," Grumbach told AFP. "They're still making very basic ready-to-wear," said Franco-Swedish designer Marcel Marongiu.

One challenge is to stamp out the market for counterfeit luxury goods in China, which produces 80 to 90 percent of the world's designer fakes despite Beijing's efforts to stop the practice, according to Consolle des Portes. But for smaller brands trying to make a bigger name for themselves abroad, China is a veritable gold mine of possibility.

It would appear that the French recognize the potential that China has a production and design source. China has grown its clothing manufacturing industry quite successful over the past decade or more. The French recognize this. Now, Chinese brands are gaining recognition outside China, which is a big step.

Stay tuned.

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