Massey fashion designers selected for China Fashion Week

Third year PhD students Hongyi Xiao, Yitong (Betty) Zheng and Dongdong Zhang were among 100 young designers selected from almost 400 applicants representing 59 universities, independent designers and industry professionals across China.

Their work was showcased as part of the official China Fashion Week schedule in Beijing, alongside an exhibition at the Central Academy of Fine Arts Art Museum that runs until 19 April.

The China Fashion100 Project is a national-level talent show led by the China Artists Association and co-organised by leading institutions including the Beijing Institute of Fashion Technology.

Associate Professor Deb Cumming says the achievement reflects the strength of doctoral research in the School of Design and the way Massey supports students to move seamlessly between critical inquiry and global creative practice.

“To see their doctoral research recognised on a platform as prestigious as China Fashion Week is a remarkable achievement. It speaks to the depth of their scholarship, the innovation of their design practice and the confidence they have developed to position their work internationally.”

Reducing waste in fashion - Hongyi Xiao

Hongyi’s research explores how one garment can change to suit different people and different situations, helping clothes stay useful for longer. By designing pieces that can be worn in multiple ways he is looking at practical ways to reduce waste.

Hongyi says the recognition was both exciting and deeply affirming.

“I was genuinely surprised and thrilled, especially knowing that the shortlist included many established industry experts and university lecturers. To be recognised alongside them is a huge validation of my capabilities and my research direction.”

Responding to environmental challenges - Yitong (Betty) Zheng

Betty’s doctoral research explores fashion design inspired by nature and how garments can respond to future environmental challenges. Her work looks to nature for inspiration, using design methods that rethink how clothing interacts with the body and surrounding conditions.

By reshaping the structure of the garment while preserving the integrity of the fabric, the design achieves an innovative form on the body while minimising material waste.

Betty says at Massey, she has been able to continually push the boundaries of her creative practice.

“Showcasing these research findings on an international stage while representing Massey demonstrates the university’s cross-cultural influence in creative arts and builds a bridge for fashion academic exchange between New Zealand and China.”

Focusing on creativity under pressure - Dongdong Zhang

Dongdong’s doctoral research explores how fashion designers stay creative while working within the demands and pressures of the industry. As part of this, she has developed a design method that helps turn ideas and actions into hands-on garment experiments.

The selected collection brought that research to life by turning abstract actions into physical and digital garment experiments, with a focus on transformation, process and the experience of making.

Their inclusion in both the runway show and museum exhibition places Massey research within one of China’s most significant fashion and design platforms, opening new opportunities for international collaboration and creative exchange.