A fashion force by design

As nation strives to make its mark on the world's catwalks, it is doubling efforts to nurture more designers. Lin Jing reports. 

The country is in desperate need of fashion designers as it seeks to transform itself from being manufacturer to becoming a creator. "There is a great demand for designers in the market," says Su Baoyan, secretary-general of the China Fashion Association. "Currently there are about 50,000 apparel companies in China and new brands keep popping up every year. Besides, some existing brands are also developing new lines. All of these companies need fashion designers." 

She says demand outstrips supply, even though 10,000 designers graduate each year. 

Su says that after the 2008 global financial crisis, manufacturers in the coastal areas of South China have seen fewer manufacturing orders from developed countries. 

To stay afloat, these companies have to adjust their business models and transform from being just manufacturers. 

"Designers play a key role in the transformation from 'made-in-China' to 'designed-in-China'. Without them, it's mission impossible," Su says. 

Consumer needs are evolving rapidly in China and apparel brands are growing increasingly aware that they have to change accordingly. 

"The demand for fashion designers, especially experienced ones, keeps increasing," Su says. 

Lan Lan, a lecturer with the Beijing Institute of Fashion Technology, says that China is relatively new to the fashion world, which can be a hindrance to up-and-coming designers.