The international fashion scene has witnessed an increasing number of Chinese designers venturing out onto the runway over the past few years. Alexander Wang, Derek Lam and Xander Zhou have become household names (Alessi-style households that is, not IKEA ones), whereas up-and-comers such as Masha Ma and Liu Lu are getting their foot in the door at the ongoing China Fashion Week. The rave reviews generated by both Ma and Liu show, to me at least, how the overall fashion industry (except for some designers of Kors) has been craving an injection of outside zing. Another recent example was provided by Taiwanese fashion house Shiatzy Chen's ready-to-wear collection during the recent Paris Fashion Week. The collection showcased strong Miao minority influences and the models were dressed to impress. The show even blew Alexa Chung's loafers off.

China's Vuitton mixes it up

One self-proclaimed modern day Guardian of Chinese Culture is China's first luxury brand: NE- TIGER. Launched into a grunge-inspired, Kurt Cobain-styled world in 1992, NE-TIGER strutted its way down the Chinese catwalk to become China's very own Louis Vuitton. Initially focusing on topnotch fur and leather designs, Art Director Zhang Zhifeng soon took the ultimate style plunge into the world of haute couture, mixing noble with sexy, East with West and ancient with modern. The brand's dresses have a dramatic vibe, mixing inimitable traditional Chinese elements with a modern off-the-shoulder, or fishtail, twist. Last International Women's Day (March 8, 2012), its collection of evening dresses inspired by the traditional Chinese qipao (旗袍) was flaunted before an audience of women from across the world. I came, I saw and I had to learn more about this Chinese creator and advocate of ethnically inspired haute couture.

Redefining a classic

Like many, I eschew the use of such words as ethnic, authentic, real and genuine. But when it comes to a country's wardrobe, I give in, as all nations have their authentic national dress, which brings us back to that oldie but goodie, the qipao, that famous tight-fitting mandarin gown. NE-TIGER has managed to single-handedly turn this traditional garment (just think of that 1930s Shanghai flair – o tempora, o mores!) into a must-have luxury item, coveted by all self-respecting Chinese fashionistas.

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