Designer creates prints that travel

This is the first time Lau has designed travel accessories. Unlike previous cooperations, in which the brand gave her directions about styles and colors, Lau was given total freedom this time.

She was cautious enough to prepare three proposals and put the most "Chictopia" one at the last.

"I kept asking what they wanted and tried to guess what they might want. But in the end they asked me why I put the most 'me' one at the end, because that was their favorite," Lau says, laughing.

Born in Beijing and raised in Hong Kong, Lau was trained in textile design at London's Central Saint Martins College of Art and Design and launched her own brand in Beijing in 2009. The first two years were difficult, as Lau kept trying to figure out "what the market wants".

In the end, Lau decided to just follow her own instincts.

She created a collection that featured vivid prints of insects, which later became the first of her print collection series.

The insect-inspired collection turned out to be a runaway success both commercially and critically.

"It wasn't until then that I started to realize that there is no point in figuring out the market. Some people just like you for who you are. That collection really gave me a confidence boost," Lau says.

Unique fabric prints have since become a key aspect of the brand. Everything from teapots, porcelain dolls to animals has been transformed into chic and elegant fashion pieces by Lau.

"Fabric printing is something I'm good at. It's also a very direct and visualized way to express myself. I'm a very direct person and I don't like to beat around the bush. The prints are a good way for me to tell stories," she says.

Chictopia, along with two other emerging Chinese designer brands Ms MIN and Helen Lee, were introduced to the Lane Crawford range last autumn as part of the store's "Created in China" program that aims to nurture Chinese designers. The trio is now sold alongside the likes of Givenchy, Alexander McQueen and Stella McCartney.

"To find, nurture and mentor Chinese talent (who) are not seen outside of China, we give them an international platform with mentorship and direction for them to be ready for the global consumer," says Rutson.

Lau has taken advice from Lane Crawford and added early spring and early autumn to her collection timeline to adjust to the international market.

Chictopia is now available in its own online shop, three independent stores and some multibrand boutiques. While Lau wants to open more stores, she also hopes to one day have overseas showrooms to test the international market. And as the brand expands, design is no longer the only thing Lau has to take care of.

"I'm not a trained businesswoman. And good design has to be supported by good business operations. This is my next challenge."