Source: CCTV.com

05-07-2007 15:34

Super models, glitz, gloss, glamour. As a global fashion arena, Milan is always a mecca for fashion designers across the world. Ji Wenbo, the first Chinese clothing designer to display his work in the city's catwalk, knows clearly how hard the way is to one of the world's top fashion arenas.

Warriors, Peking operas. This is actually not a stage theatre, but a catwalk show. Combining traditional Chinese factors with modern styles, the designer created the first Chinese fashion show at the Milan Fashion Week. And his name is Ji Wenbo.

November 17th last year, Ji Wenbo spent a sleepless night, waiting for a phone call. The call was supposed to come from the organizing committee of the Milan Fashion Week, informing him whether or not he will be invited to the show.

45-year-old Ji Wenbo is the chief designer of Li Lang, a popular homegrown men's wear brand. As a Chinese designer, Ji was not satisfied with his success at home. He wanted to showcase Chinese fashion to the international vogue metropolis, Milan.

Ji Wenbo said, "I thought to myself many renowned international clothing companies have established factories in China. Why can't we create our own brands, our own design and our own styles?"

China is one of the world's biggest clothing factories, but there has never been a Chinese brand that's become a household name. It is no easy task to compete with prestigious brands such as Armani and Versace. Ji Wenbo's idea triggered a lot of buzz in his company.

Wang Liang, manager of Lilang Corporation, said, "It was a big investment, with perhaps little gain. But we thought attending an international fashion week in Paris or Milan would definitely enhance the image of Chinese garment brands, as well as our company, Li Lang."

However, after days of discussion, the company decided to support Ji Wenbo. And he proceeded full speed ahead.

In July, 2006, Ji Wenbo went to Milan to apply for participation. But because there had never been an Asian brand, let alone a Chinese brand featured at Milan Fashion Week, his application went unoticed.

Despite the cold shoulder, Ji Wenbo tried again. What surprised him was that Mario Boselli, the president of the supreme body of Italian garment industry, met him in person. Mr Boselli saw Ji's original design accidentally, and was fascinated with Ji's idea of infusing traditional Chinese cultural factors with fashion.

Ji said, "I said my inspiration were the terra-cotta warriors, which highlighted the design of men's wear. He was very excited with my idea, even more excited than me. He was full of confidence and believed that I could do it. He encouraged me to continue."

Then Ji Wenbo came back and submitted a series of applications to the union. Not long after, bad news came. Many experts in Italy refused the application because they thought Chinese fashion works were just copies of European style. What's more, as a leader of European fashion, Italian industry insiders feared that they will be overpassed by non-European brands. However,the president of the Italy National Garment Association Paolo Zegna liked Ji's work very much. He insisted the show give him a chance.

Paolo Zegna, president of Italy National Garment Association, said, "I was totally moved by Ji's work, which are full of imagination. Why don't we support him?"