TrendWarriors

Wednesday, March 27 was the China Fashion and Creativity Forum, held in the afternoon at the Great Hall of the People.

It was an honor to be invited to speak at this event. Other presenters were the President of the Shandong RUYI Group, Jane Stockel, CMG from Sincere Creations in Hong Kong, Berit Bergesson from NCS in Sweden, Mr. Ronnie Luo from Leeds University in London, and Mr. Hmano Ysuhiro, a architectural planning expert from Tokyo, Japan.

Topics ranged from urban planning to the rise of Chinese innovation and design. Mr. Liang, the Chairman of the China Fashion Color Association stated China is no longer content to copy the designs it creates. They want the motto to change from “Made in China” to “Designed in China.” Based on the products I’m seeing in China today, I can certainly see this being the case.

The President of the Shandong RUYI Group talked about how China is evolving with the times. Since the 1980s, there has been increasing importance of lifestyle values in China: housing, vacation, pleasure, clothes, moral values and social values all come into play.

In fashion, they have seen how clothing has adapted to lifestyle based on ACTIVITIES. For outdoor use, there are rugged and adaptable clothing for different weather climates. For social events there are ballroom gowns. For the workplace, suits and business wear.

Fashion has also changed with technology. Biological materials can detect poisons in the air, extreme exposure to solar energy, or germs and organisms that may attack the body. Clothing can now improve the standards and living conditions of the people who own and wear them. Fabrics have been developed in China that are waterproof, stainproof, and have protective memories on the surface of the fabrics.

Healthy living is a KEY FACTOR in Chinese society. The question for the future will be not only HOW China catches up with the market and the world, but HOW and WHAT does it contribute to the world and environmental considerations?

Jane Stockel’s presentation was of particular interest. Her topic covered China’s influence on Europe’s fashion and home deco products. She mentioned how classical Asian elements are stronger than before, but reinterpreted for a European market. The traditional red Chinese lantern, for example, might be shown in a neutral color palette of off-white, sand or brown. Split bamboo might be painted black for an outdoor seating arrangement. Chinese door locks are used as elements on candles, and wallpapers with Asian motifs are seen everywhere.

The colors of China are eye-catching as well–red with hot pink is very eye catching, both colors symbolize good luck. Colors like these are found in cross-cultural shops like Shanghai Tang. Products in this retailer are designed for western tastes with Asian colors, themes and embellishments.