Helen Deng

CHEN JIAWEI, a fourth-year student at Shenzhen University, has become a star in China’s fashion industry. On March 24, she beat more than 1,700 designers from 17 countries to win the Hempel Award, the most prestigious fashion award for young designers in China. The Shenzhen Daily spoke with Chen about the fashion industry and her ambitions.

Shenzhen is one of the most important women’s wear centers in China. Many women’s clothing brands, such as Fairyfair, Jane Story, Ludai, and ELLASSAY, have become famous throughout the country.

Chen 22, says she loves Fairyfair, a brand targeting girls in their 20s and well-known for its fairy tale-like lace and patterns.

“It has stuck to the style for 18 years — it’s rare for a Chinese fashion brand to do that. But although some people don’t understand the mode, it succeeded and opened hundreds of chain stores,” said Chen.

Shenzhen has more than 3,000 clothing factories and over 1,000 brands. But many Shenzhen brands have been changing too fast and following trends too closely, Chen said.