Clothes Show

Designer takes on women’s rights for catwalk success

A creative Coventry fashion student has wowed judges to be named Young Designer of the Year after taking women’s rights with a cultural twist onto the catwalk. Final-year Fashion student Ren Wong beat hundreds of hopefuls to the top spot at the annual Clothes Show Live awards in December with a 21st century fashion twist on the life of Chinese empress Wu Zetian. The empress was recognised as a king during her reign – something Ren said
he wanted to celebrate and show off
with his garment which merged royal and gender-specific colours with traditional feminine patterns.

As well as scooping the £1,000 prize, Ren’s winning collection will also now feature in the upcoming Bright Young Things 2017 campaign.

“I was so happy to be nominated, I can’t believe I was one of the finalists let alone the winner. It is a fantastic feeling and
a great beginning for my career which will motivate me to do better and better. People think of fashion, trend and design all based on the Western culture. But I believe every culture has its own beauty which is why I decided to combine Chinese style in my garments.”
Ren Wong, final year Fashion student