Designs by Xander Zhou [Photo Source: crienglish.com]

For many fashion designers, the road to recognition can be endless. But a talented few are destined for greatness. Today, we'll bring you the story of Xander Zhou, an up-and-coming Chinese fashion designer. At 26, he has already started his own workshop, and his menswear is sold in some of the most luxurious shopping malls in Europe.

 

Xander Zhou's studio lies in Jianwai Soho, a minimalist office block in downtown Beijing. The 20-something fashion designer looks like any other city boy in his T-shirt and jeans, but with an air of sophistication.

"Actually, I've been keen on fashion since I was a child. When I went to study in Holland, I started altering clothes when I found details that weren't to my satisfaction. Later, my friends sent me a sewing machine as a gift, so I began to make my own clothes. When people saw them, they couldn't believe the clothes were my own work. Many of my friends suggested that I go to a fashion school, so I did."

Zhou's early designs were more high-end, younger and bolder. When the fledgling designer showed up in his own creations, he attracted attention from his peers and seasoned designers alike.

"My tutor in the Netherlands was fascinated by my designs. He thought they were original and clean, without much influence from my own cultural background. It was purely a matter of personal taste. I had no problem attaining recognition in the fashion industry when I first got started."

Stifled by the environment in his science college, Xander Zhou dropped out of his industrial design program before leaving for Holland. This experience would later have a profound influence on his designs.

"I grew up in Jilin, an industrial city in northeastern China. Both of my parents work in the architecture industry. I saw lots of architectural blueprints when I was little. Although I didn't finish industrial design, the cutting and structuring, as well as the material I choose for my clothes, are heavily influenced by architectural concepts."

Xander Zhou held his first fashion show in Amsterdam in 2004. After working with his tutors in Europe for a few more years, he returned to China in 2007.

"It is harder to achieve success as a young fashion designer in the Netherlands and other places in Europe than you would imagine. They have an established mode, a product line to foster young designers. But you have to stick to that rule very strictly without deviating. It's much quicker to put your idea into practice in China, as there is a lot of space to create here at home."

Zhou put up his first menswear collection in Beijing, "Mass Production," last year.

"Mass Production" by Xander Zhou [Photo Source: crienglish.com]

"There was some cynicism and protection over this title. In my opinion, most of China's textile and accessory exports are very cheap. These products have little to do with style and quality. As a designer, I intend to create clothes that have a unique, distinct style, which is the exact opposite. I want to promote "Designed in China." In this collection, I have tried to play with this contrast."

Drawing inspiration from traditional menswear elements, Zhou's new designs are elegant and polished. But unlike most brand names, he still doesn't play it safe. His clothes are fun to wear, aimed at pleasing the wearer rather than the spectator.

"When I am working, I often think of myself and the kind of person I want to be, which are extremely different. I like wearing T-shirts and jeans. When I appear at formal occasions, I tend to chose clothes with a low profile but a lot of details."

The designer's works have been featured by major fashion magazines such as Men's Uno, Vision and iLook. He has also been involved in red carpet events like the Venice Film Festival and the Tokyo International Film Festival. These days, he is busy collaborating with entertainment hotshots like British singer MIKA and Chinese actresses Zhou Xun and Xu Jinglei.

"Designing outfits for celebrities is not my ultimate goal, of course. But when I work with them, it challenges my communication skills. On some level, stars can better introduce my clothes to common people."

The fashion industry is also helping in the aftermath of the most devastating earthquake in recent history. Zhou is working on a T-shirt signed by ten top fashion designers from around the world. These T-shirts will be sold in neighboring countries like Singapore, Malaysia and Japan, and all proceeds will benefit the victims of the earthquake.

"Maybe fashion is beyond the reach of most ordinary people. But when we are chasing after beauty and pleasure, we should also do what we can for the needy."

Zhou said no matter where his career ends up, he will always be based in Beijing, where he got his start. For Xander Zhou, life is not only grit, but also glitz.