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E-mail China Daily, October 3, 2024
Designer Su Hanwei's brand, Maison De Hoe, incorporates elements of the Chinese countryside and the metropolis of New York City. She features a cutout window on the back of the clothes, resonating with audiences worldwide by evoking rural culture. CHINA DAILY
Both Chinese and international artists have appreciated Shao's recent designs. Chinese singer Hua Chenyu wore SISIO at his concert, and US singer Cyndi Lauper also purchased one of her pieces.
"If I can keep going, eventually more people will notice my brand and the ideas I convey," she said.
Joya Ma, designer and founder of her eponymous brand, explained her approach to fashion design to China Daily.
"I want to bring Chinese culture, my Chinese heritage and the culture of the Asian minority community to the world. I hope that everyone can enjoy and appreciate the beauty, and I wish for all women to be able to wear it," she said.
Ma's brand, JOYA MA, was founded in New York, a hub for fashion and different cultures. "It's a place where I can truly be myself," she said.
She was born in Los Angeles but has spent her life in New York, Shenzhen, Hong Kong, Arizona and traveling, which has informed her work.
"Empowering women to express themselves boldly and fearlessly" is one of her main messages, and is aimed especially at Chinese women.
Ma also aspires to promote her brand as a luxury label that can stand shoulder-to-shoulder with big names in the industry.
"Many major luxury brands incorporate elements of Chinese New Year in their designs," she said. Influential celebrities and bloggers often choose to wear clothing with Chinese elements during traditional festivals, on stage, or the red carpet.
"With Asian American culture gaining more influence internationally, people who share my Chinese heritage find a deeper connection in my work, which is why they choose my designs," she said.
Ma's brand has been featured at multiple Asian American charity galas. Her latest collection, Dragoness, presented at Beijing Fashion Week, celebrates Chinese New Year with bold designs that include elements such as the traditional qipao, cutouts and lace.
Ma's work also integrates many Western elements. She said that her interest in abstract art has led her to use bold, vibrant colors in her designs, challenging perceptions of "Chinese style".
"Chinese elements can be combined with modern aspects to create many breakthroughs. Even though my designs are inspired by Chinese style, I want to innovate further so that the clothing can better align with the international market," she said.
"Chinese elements take on different characteristics when mixed with local cultures around the world," she said. "As I've traveled and lived in different places, I've noticed that people's perceptions of Chinese culture can be quite different. The challenge in designing clothes is figuring out how to create pieces that resonate with people everywhere, and that's something I'm always working on."
Also, as a Chinese American, she wanted to not only showcase her clothes but also share the stories behind each Chinese element she incorporates. She explains the history and significance of these elements to her audience.
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