Runway dream

In Vogue

J. Mendel Fall 2014

"I have always been wondering what I could do to help these designers in their careers," says Wang Hao, also an active fashion designer.

"That's why I started to organize fashion shows here to increase their visibility. I want to support them to become rising stars in the industry."

Although the young women - all in their early 20s - were fortunate to showcase their creations along with the world's top designers, their journey to the runway has not been a smooth one, they say.

Wang Qing, Hu Tianjia and Hu Yingqi had already completed their bachelor's degree in China before going to London.

They had to go through another round of undergraduate studies in London before they could begin to pursue designing with the masters at CSM.

"I thought CSM was too prestigious to want anything to do with me. And it usually only admits one or two Chinese students each year," says Wang Qing. "But I tried anyway. Every day I worked from 10 am to 10 pm to prepare my portfolio. I did nothing but work, besides sleeping and eating.

"The moment I received the admission letter, I cried."

London took some getting used to as well.