A well-dressed group of industry insiders, photographers, and personalities marched into the Teatro Armani to witness the inaugural show of an up-and-coming Chinese fashion designer in Milan, according to an article by ATimes.com.
Xuzhi Chen is only 24 years old, but the designer has already made waves in China. His debut in Milan Spring Fashion Week, backed up by Giorgio Armani no less, is proof of Chinese fashion’s growing influence.
“[The showing was] very stressful but really, really exciting, I couldn’t ask for a better opportunity than this!” Chen told Agence France-Press (AFP) on Saturday, Feb. 25.
Chen is just one of a small group of Chinese fashion designers to debut their work in Italy. Angel Chen showed off her label that bears her name, while Anna Yang showcased Annakiki.
All eyes are on Chen, however, as the young fashion designer managed to book the prestigious Teatro Armani for his show. The location is a highly coveted slot that has served as the launchpad of some of the most successful new designers today.
Known for his simple designs and innovations on textile and texture, Chen started out as a student at the esteemed Central Saint Martins in London, a breeding ground for innovative designers. Its famous alumni include enfant terrible Alexander McQueen.
Last year, Chen was nominated for the LVMH Prize, and in 2015 the H&M Design Awards. Hi label, Xu Zhi, is based in London. He has also been grouped with six other Chinese designers by Women’s Wear Daily. Called the “gang of six,” the group also consists of Angel Chen, Liushu Lei and Yutong Jiang, Momo Wang, and Xiao Li.
Like Chen, the Gang of Six designers also studied in London before pursuing their own labels.
Despite working with a team of British designers and artists, Chen very much remains in touch with his Chinese roots, and is keen to uplift Chinese fashion into the global sphere.
“We’ve been economically booming for the past decades and now people are really hungry for creative stories and creations,” Chen said.