'Distinctly Chinese' elements stealing spotlight

A model presents a Chinese creation on Monday.

"Living abroad made me reflect on the beauty of Chinese culture, and I think the feeling is shared by many Chinese living abroad, which is why I've found so many potential customers when I showed the jewelry in London," Wang said.

Quality, attention to detail and appreciation of Chinese elements are shared by Yu Ge, who founded Annderstand in Shanghai this year.

Like Wang, Yu also has an international background, having traveled extensively between China and Japan during her school years because of her parents' job requirements. She studied design in New York, and afterward she worked in fashion merchandising for global brands such as Gucci and Louis Vuitton.

Her brand combines Chinese elements from traditional paintings and characteristics of the qipao, Japanese fashion design elements from the kimono, and Western elements like corsets to give good body shape.