Bringing the beauty of Chinese culture to the world through fashion

From international student to celebrity designer, Cindy Wei Zhang shares her journey of studying at RMIT and building her fashion empire in China.

After graduating from RMIT with a Bachelor of Fashion (Design) (Honours), Cindy returned to China and started her own design studio and fashion brand in 2010: CINDY WEI ZHANG.

The brand takes traditional patterns from Chinese culture and redesigns them into a new form of print. A blend of modern tailoring and traditional prints, the brand aims to create a feminine image of independence, elegance and confidence.

In 2010, Cindy launched her collection Qin Hua Ci (blue and white porcelain) at the Melbourne Fashion Week and she was the only Chinese designer to be showcased at the Los Angeles International Fashion Week in 2016.

Throughout the years, Cindy has worked with many well-known celebrities such as Aaron Kwok, Yang Lan Guan, Xiaotong and Zhang Tianai.

We caught up with Cindy to find out about her RMIT study experience and what it was like to kick off her global career in fashion.

Cindy pictured sitting at a cafe drinking a coffee wearing an RMIT hat, with a bustling street behind her.

What attracted you to study fashion at RMIT?

I did a lot of university research and found out that RMIT ticked all the boxes of my dream school. I also learnt that the RMIT School of Fashion and Textiles is globally recognised as one of the best fashion schools in the world and provides students with opportunities to build industry connections and gain real-world experiences.

How was your RMIT experience and how did it support you in your career?

My experience of studying at RMIT was amazing and I think the university has supported my career in so many ways since I graduated.

RMIT gave me the solid foundation to start my own business. From searching for inspiration and developing a concept, drawing designs and selecting fabrics, producing garments and planning a runway show, to even setting up the pricing and marketing strategies, I’ve learnt everything about making a fashion collection from studying at RMIT. Me and my design team are still following similar steps and processes when designing a brand new collection.

I am very glad that I decided to study at RMIT!

What were the most rewarding aspects of your time studying abroad in Melbourne?

[Studying in Melbourne], I got to experience different cultures, receive a different education, visit local museums and art galleries and see plays and performances. Those are the things that I look back on with great fondness.

From my personal growth perspective, studying in Melbourne helped me broaden my horizons and gained a deeper understanding of diversity. After finishing my study at RMIT, I started to do things more patiently.

RMIT alumnus Marc stands smiling with a piece of aerospace equipment visible through windows beside him.

Photo credit: Cindy Wei Zhang

What would be your top advice to RMIT international students who are studying in Australia?

My advice is to enjoy and cherish the time studying at RMIT and find ways to make your campus life more fun and enriching. At the same time, knowing what you are doing and what’s your plan for your career after graduation.

Why did you decide to move back to China after graduation from RMIT? What was it like?

My RMIT professor told me the fashion scene in Beijing and Shanghai is just like Paris in the 1920s, with a great environment for independent designers to thrive. It was my professor’s guidance that made me choose to return to China to develop my career.

I was lucky enough to find a job at a well-known Chinese designer’s studio right after I returned to China. In the beginning, the most difficult thing for me was to work on someone else’s collection instead of my own. However, it was a great experience and I learnt more things about working on couture, costumes and handmade garments.

What are some of the highlights of your career?

I founded my own design studio and clothing brand, launched and exhibited my collections in Los Angeles and Paris, and participated in China International Fashion Week twice. I also designed clothes for national leaders at the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC), won the Chinese designer brand of the year at Sina Fashion Award and met the Australian prime minister as one of the international talents staying in Australia. I think those are some of my career highlights and achievements that I want to share with people.

Photo credit: Cindy Wei Zhang

What are you currently working on? What's next for you?

I am working on a collection about the intangible cultural heritage of China. I am also working on another collection about the twenty-four Chinese solar terms. As a fashion designer, I want to bring Chinese culture to the world through my profession so that more people can have a better understanding of my culture.

As for my next step, I want to collaborate with the local government from my hometown and develop a Zhuhai Fashion Week. I hope this can be a way to introduce more outstanding designers to Zhuhai and add some fashion elements to the city.

Are you an aspiring designer that wants to own your own label or work with global brands? Explore one of the world’s top-ranked fashion design courses at RMIT and see how we can prepare you to develop your identity as a designer and thrive in the competitive fashion industry.

Story: Gavin Gan & Elle Liu

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