Does China have a history of fashion?
‘I wouldn’t say China has absolutely no history of fashion. The inspiration for my current collection is 1940s Hollywood, but when I was researching I also looked at 1940s Chinese fashion. Of course it related to international fashion, but it also had its own ethos.’ Are you wary of having Chinese elements in your designs? ‘I never exclude anything. I really like splashed Chinese ink. I think Chinese elements are great, but we aren’t using them creatively enough.’ What annoys you about the local fashion industry? ‘Following trends. There are so many Chinese companies out there copying Western designs, churning out uninspiring clothes that sell well because customers don’t know what they want. There are also really talented designers who have to resort to copying what’s popular even if they don’t believe in the design concept.’ Shop? ‘Hopefully next year. It’ll be called You Are 有耳. Watch this space.’ Rofty Streetwear Cute couple Li Huawen and Zheng Ran (known as ‘Rofty’) make clothes t
