Q&A with Luoyuan Zhang – Winner of the 2023 ASBCI Innovation Award, sponsored by Style 3D

Q: How did you first hear about Fashanne – Fashion Designers of the Future Awards?

A: I first heard about it through my tutor at Nottingham Trent University.

 Q: Why did you decide to get involved with the Fashanne Awards?

A: I wanted to challenge myself and see if I could win an award in the competition.

 Q: How did you find the Fashanne Awards process?

A: I believe the selection process for the Fashanne Awards is very fair and transparent.

 Q: How was the actual Fashanne Awards ceremony?

A: The awards ceremony was absolutely incredible – a truly unforgettable experience for both the participants and the winners.

Q: How did you feel when you won?

A: I was overjoyed to win the ASBCI Innovation Award and I’m deeply grateful to Fashanne for providing me with the amazing opportunity.

 Q: What was the story behind your design?

A: My collection was based on the concept of “respect for the ecology and nature”.The collection fuses nature and fashion craftsmanship, from the development of fabrics, to the production of the garments, allowing the raw materials to be presented in the most natural way. The collection is made from silkworms that I grew for over two months to raise awareness of the often-overlooked cruelty of the silk-making process. This project took a lot of dedication and was immense effort from the initial design stages through to production. It was a challenging yet very rewarding experience.

 Q: Career wise, what did you do after the event?

A: Following the event, I moved to Paris to pursue a master’s degree in fashion design.

 Q: How do you think the Fashanne Awards helped your career?

A: Winning the award has been tremendously beneficial. It’s an excellent addition to my CV and has opened doors for future career opportunities.

 Q: What advice/tips would you give to this year’s students entering the Fashanne Awards?

A: Don’t be afraid to put yourself out there –  everyone has the potential to win. Be bold, be confident and let your creativity shine.

 Q: And finally, what’s next in store for you?

A: I’m currently finishing my master’s degree and will be graduating soon. I’m exploring the possibilities of starting my own business or stepping into the professional world of employment.