21st China's Hempel Award jumpstarts fashion careers

This year marks the 21st birthday of China' Hempel Award for fashion. And while it' gradually making its way into the international arena, many designer's lives have already been changed because of it.

Chinese fashion designer Wang Yutao won second place when he first participated in the Hempel Award fashion contest.

Wang Yutao, Fashion Designer, said, "For the mass majority of young fashion designers in China, this competition could be the turning point in their lives. When I participated, it was the top level of the industry and very authoritative."

Following Wang' success at the contest, he was invited to Berlin Fashion Week. There, his very first runway show presented the rising force of Chinese fashion designers to a western audience. When he returned home, he used what he had learned and gradually created his own designer brand.

Wang Yutao, Fashion Designer, said, "To me personally, it was definitely a turning point in my career, as I got better opportunities and a bigger stage to present my work."

Wang now owns a private workshop and mainly takes orders for custom-made clothes. His work has received much praise, from the public as well as celebrities. Looking back, Wang attributes much of his success to the advice he received from judges at the Hempel award.

Wang Yutao, Fashion Designer, said, "Many big names in the fashion design industry have started from this competition."

It has also opened up the China market for foreign designers. German designer David Ubl was the Winner of the 16th Hempel Award, and also the first to win with men's clothing. For a foreign designer to win over Chinese customers, David says the secret is understanding the differences between oriental aesthetics and western design.

David now holds the title of creative director in four Chinese clothing brands. After five years of struggling, he has successfully created his own brand -- thanks in large part to his winning the Hempel Award.