K-pop fan bases and haute couture: 10 Chinese designers on our radar for 2025

As China’s influence on the global fashion industry continues to grow, 2025 is set to be a pivotal year for local designers on an international scale, both emerging and more established independent names. From sex-positive Rui’s boundary-pushing collaborations with brands like Osuga and Adidas, to “quiet luxury” favorite Ruohan, the mainland’s talents are not only showcasing in Paris alongside major luxury houses, but also redefining traditional fashion narratives. In no specific order, here are 10 Chinese emerging or already-cult independent designers to have on your radar. 1. Zhaoyi Yu Founded: 2023 Bio: A 2023 graduate of the London College of Fashion’s Womenswear MA program, Zhaoyi Yu draws inspiration from the poetic and modern landscape of his Southern Chinese hometown. Known for his technical precision and experimental textiles, his wonderfully ethereal couture designs reflect personal narratives and social issues, celebrating fluidity and inclusiveness. 2. Ruohan Founded: 2021 Bio: Ruohan Nie, a 2020 graduate of Parsons New York, is a rising star in “quiet luxury” producing timeless, understated designs that are gaining global recognition through her eponymous brand Ruohan. Based in New York and committed to sustainable fashion, her brand reduces waste through sustainable cutting and fabric production, while earning accolades like a Paris Fashion Week debut, and a nomination for an Andam prize. 3. Oscar Ouyang Founded: 2023 Bio: Beijing-to-London knitwear virtuoso Oscar Ouyang, a 2023 graduate of Central Saint Martins’ BA Fashion Design program, debuted at Dover Street Market London in September 2024 with a captivating week-long installation. Known for his rebellious fusion of East Asian animation and traditional British motifs, Ouyang redefines knitwear with a bold nod to his eclectic cultural roots and impeccable craftsmanship. 4. Dingyun Zhang Founded: 2021 Bio: Born in Inner Mongolia and raised in Beijing, Yeezy-approved Dingyun Zhang recently launched a cultish Crocs collaboration (following collabs with the likes of Marni and Moncler Genius), and is renowned for elevated puffers. Zhang’s designs incorporate remolded ice fishing tents, survival rescue suits, and life vests, blending functionality with bold environmental artistry. 5. Ximon Lee Founded: 2014 Bio: Born in Hong Kong of Korean descent, Ximon Lee grew up in China before studying menswear at Parsons New York. Now based in Brooklyn, the designer launched his eponymous label after winning the H&M Design Award back in 2015, and has since grown to be a cult favorite among the new generation. Having earned accolades like being shortlisted for the LVMH Prize in 2015, he’s one of Shanghai Fashion Week’s buzziest names. 6. Joyce Bao Founded: 2024 Bio: Joyce Bao, an Asian-American designer born in Michigan to Chinese immigrant parents, is redefining femininity by blending influences from her dual heritage. Debuting at Labelhood during Shanghai Fashion Week in October straight from graduation, the creative’s designs draw from vintage garment decay and Eastern and Western armor, embodying the duality of women’s strength and fragility. 7. Feng Chen Wang Founded: 2015 Bio: Feng Chen Wang, a Chinese-born designer and Royal College of Art graduate, brings a personal touch to conceptual menswear, drawing inspiration from her roots in Fujian and intimate experiences. A fixture at London Men’s Fashion Week, she is also a collaboration queen, partnering with brands like Piaggio, Nike, and Ugg to push the boundaries of functional fashion. 8. Didu Founded: 2019 Bio: Didu, the sultry Shanghai-and-Paris-based label founded in 2019 by Antwerp-trained Xuzhou native Di Du, has become a standout at Paris Fashion Week. Known for its daring designs — think sheer fabrics, bold cuts, and punk-infused glamour — the label counts superstars like Doja Cat and Rosalia among its fans. 9. Susan Fang Founded: 2017 Bio: London and Shanghai-based Canadian-Chinese designer Susan Fang, who founded her namesake brand in 2017 after graduating from Central Saint Martins, is celebrated for her innovative textiles and mathematically inspired designs. Known for artistic originality, she’s now making waves through a wide-ranging collaboration strategy, including a bold partnership under Dolce & Gabbana’s emerging designer program, which will be unveiled at Milan Fashion Week in February. 10. Ruibuilt Founded: 2019 Bio: Founded in 2019 by Rui Zhou, Ruibuilt crafts poetic, jewelry-like garments that blur the boundaries between skin and fabric, body and clothing. Celebrating imperfection, the brand’s creations evoke raw yet gentle emotions, offering wearers a second skin that explores the fragile balance between tension and comfort.

10 Chinese designers to know in 2025

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10 Chinese designers to know in 2025