China Institute held its second annual Fashion Design Competition showcasing up-and-coming contemporary Chinese designers inspired by Chinese tradition, art, and culture on April 6, 2019. Designer Feiyang Qiao was awarded the top prize for her unique styles and colorful melding of Chinese tradition and futurism.
The afternoon event kicked off with a panel discussion on “China Cool: How Next Gen Designers are Defining a New Culture” with experts Harlan Bratcher of JD Fashion, Hazel Clark of Parsons, Simon Collins of WeDesign.org, Anqi Jiang, finalist in our 2018 Competition, and fashion writer Mary Wang, moderated by China Institute VP of Programs, Dinda Elliott.
Earlier, our panel of celebrity and fashion influencer judges reviewed three outfits constructed by our 11 finalists which were then featured in a live runway show. Susan Rockefeller announced our new Sustainable Fashion initiative to promote more environmental action in the industry after which Bil Donovan, fashion illustrator and Dior’s Artist-in-Residence, presented the award in front of a full-house of fashion aficionados.
The Fashion Gala is part of China Institute’s overall fashion initiative and sponsored through proceeds from China Institute’s annual fashion gala, in partnership with the Yue-Sai Kan China Beauty Fund, recognizing outstanding contributions to Chinese design and innovation and to support the next generation of designers and leaders.
China Institute’s 2019 Fashion Competition recognizes our judges and sponsors:
• Judges: Harlan Bratcher, Hazel Clark, Simon Collins, Bil Donovan, Jessica Glasscock, Karen Van Godtsenhoven, and Mary Wang
• Hair sponsor La Peau Spa
• Make-up sponsor Make Up Rite
• AsianInNY for producing the runway show
• Trustee Sophia Sheng for providing each finalist a stipend to help cover material costs
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