In 2013, many Chinese designers had major global retailers, influential fashion tastemakers, and prestigious award judges buzzing. Listed below are five designers who made a global impact this year and likely have even greater things in store for 2014. Let us know which designers you'll be watching in the coming year in the comments or on Twitter, and check out more of our year-end coverage here.
Masha Ma#
Before showing her collection at Paris Fashion Week this fall, the 30-year-old designer caught the attention of the Council of Fashion Designers of America, which sponsored a two-week trip to New York for her to meet with Barneys NY, Michael Kors, Bergdorf Goodman, Tory Burch, Saks Fifth Avenue, Amazon, Theory, Tommy Hilfiger, and Vogue as part of its China exchange program.
Huishan Zhang#
This year, the young London- and Qingdao-based graduate of Central Saint Martin’s turned heads in the fashion world when he was awarded the Dorchester Collection Fashion Prize only two years after launching his fashion label. His collection was picked up by Barneys as a result, meaning we're likely to see a lot more of him in the coming year.
Yang Li#
The 25-year-old rising star showed his fifth collection at Paris Fashion Week this fall, making his mark with both men’s and women’s looks, placing him “in good stead among the new generation of Paris up-and-comers,” according to Style.com.
Simon Gao#
The established Beijing designer’s collection stole the show at China Fashion Week this year with its Han dynasty-inspired pieces. He also caught the attention of Galeries Lafayette, which partnered with the designer to sell his creations at its new Beijing location.
Yun Linn#
Young designer Yun Linn appears to be following in the footsteps of established fashion house Qiu Hao: she was nominated for the Woolmark Prize this year (which Qiu Hao won in 2008), and is available along with Qiu Hao (and Masha Ma) at One By One boutique in Shanghai. With a prize nomination two years after her label was founded, this up-and-coming designer will certainly be one to keep a close eye on in the coming year.
