The Secret Weapon: Huishan Zhang
Trained in Dior’s haute couture atelier, championed by Delphine Arnault and a recipient of Deutsche Bank award, designer Huishan Zhang is making moves fast. Born and raised in China, Zhang moved abroad when he was 17 and has lived in New Zealand, Paris, and London. His global travels and Chinese heritage have vastly influenced his designs. “Chinese craftsmanship, design, and inspiration is essential to what makes the Huishan Zhang woman,” says the designer. “By adding my Western influence to this, I am trying to create a more modern take on all that is seen as Chinese.”
Zhang studied at Central Saint Martins, graduating with a BA honor in fashion design and an MA in pattern cutting. During his time there, Arnault, the daughter of LVMH owner Bernard Arnault, scouted the design student. Zhang was asked to work alongside her to develop leather goods, which eventually led him to work at the couture atelier. “For me, working in the Dior Couture atelier was the most incredible opportunity. I was not only able to be surrounded by the most inspirational and talented people, but was given the opportunity to learn and apply couture techniques that I have since developed into the Huishan Zhang brand.”
Zhang infuses East-meets-West influence in his luxe collections using strong lines and feminine embellishments, creating a truly refined style. The London-based designer is currently in talks with a few people about future collaborations and events but is concentrating on building his brand. “I want to focus solely on establishing Huishan Zhang, so that the name resonates in both the industry and the consumer’s mind.”
