Runway dream

Chinese young designers (from left) Wang Qing, Qi Sixian, their coach Wang Hao, Hu Yingqi and Hu Tianjia present their works at Hotel Pennsylvania in Manhattan. Zhang Yang / For China Daily

In Vogue

J. Mendel Fall 2014

In past years Wang Hao has sent more than 10 of his students from his training school, Beijing-based Ying Sheng International Culture and Art Center, to New York Fashion Week. But it was the first time he has hosted a special show for his former students who got into CSM.

"I have always been wondering what I could do to help these designers in their careers," says Wang Hao, also an active fashion designer.

"That's why I started to organize fashion shows here to increase their visibility. I want to support them to become rising stars in the industry."

Although the young women - all in their early 20s - were fortunate to showcase their creations along with the world's top designers, their journey to the runway has not been a smooth one, they say.

Wang Qing, Hu Tianjia and Hu Yingqi had already completed their bachelor's degree in China before going to London.

They had to go through another round of undergraduate studies in London before they could begin to pursue designing with the masters at CSM.

"I thought CSM was too prestigious to want anything to do with me. And it usually only admits one or two Chinese students each year," says Wang Qing. "But I tried anyway. Every day I worked from 10 am to 10 pm to prepare my portfolio. I did nothing but work, besides sleeping and eating.

"The moment I received the admission letter, I cried."

London took some getting used to as well.

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