Hu Bing sat down with the China Minutes team to talk London Fashion Week, the importance of his team, and how Chinese brands can break out globally.
On the evening of September 12, 2024, at 8 p.m., China’s first supermodel Hu Bing, together with young designer Fang Fang and her brand Consistence, hosted the opening show of the 2024 London Fashion Week.
London Fashion Week, along with New York, Paris, and Milan Fashion Weeks, is one of the “Big Four” fashion weeks. This year marks its 40th anniversary. Known as the “youngest” of the four, London Fashion Week has always focused on avant-garde styles and supporting niche brands. This year was the debut of “Hu Bing Selects” at London Fashion Week. Making Hu Bing the first Chinese person to participate in all four major fashion weeks. Starting in 2024, it will become a regular feature at London Fashion Week.
The project aims to support and promote young designers. It seeks to use international platforms to elevate more Chinese designers onto the global stage, showcasing the unique charm of Chinese fashion culture. Hu Bing, often called the “evergreen of the fashion world,” has an irreplaceable standing in the industry. He has led trends with the same consistency for decades.
Hu Bing even joined the stage on the opening night, walking with steady and powerful steps, showcasing his decades-long experience.
Born in 1974, Hu Bing initially started his career as an actor but ventured into fashion in 2010. With his striking looks and charisma, he quickly became a global brand ambassador and rose to prominence in the fashion world. This year marks his ninth consecutive year serving as the global ambassador for London Fashion Week.
Despite a busy week in London, the 53-year-old remained energetic during the interview. Hu Bing wore a khaki jacket paired with an off-white shirt and suit ensemble. His cool brown hair perfectly complemented his outfit, showcasing his timeless sense of style.
Over the past decade, Hu Bing has dedicated a significant amount of time to the fashion industry. Maintaining his physique requires strict self-discipline, alongside handling numerous runway tasks, photoshoots, and promotional work. Sometimes, he even takes on the responsibility of calming his team’s nerves. He humorously refers to himself as a “hexagonal warrior (六边形战士)” – a common Chinese phrase meaning someone who is well-rounded and good at everything.
But, he also acknowledges that he heavily relies on his team’s support.
Hu Bing expressed both pride and gratitude for his team. From scheduling to managing his physical appearance, his team consistently excels. He remarked, “People say I’m ‘ageless,’ but the reality is that a massive team is working behind the scenes to ensure that.”
Recently keeping a low profile has led some to think he has stepped back from the film and music industries. However, Hu Bing clarified that he has “always been around.” The fact is he has just been deeply engaged in fashion. His packed schedule has left little time for acting or singing.
Speaking on London Fashion Week, he believes that it is a “platform for young fashion talents, where many new designers showcase fresh, innovative ideas. Seeing these emerging talents brings me joy.”
Something he hopes to capatilise on with “Hu Bing Select’s”. This year the Chines ebrand Consistence was choosen. Tien Lu and Fang Fang founded the brand in 2015. The designers first met Hu Bing a decade ago at London Fashion Week a decade ago. They state that Hu Bing’s support and influence have been instrumental in Consistence’s growth since then.
Since the spring-summer season, “New Chinese Style” has been a major trend. Chinese elements can be seen everywhere—from everyday street fashion to major fashion brand runways. Addressing this trend, Hu Bing believes that the “New Chinese Style” is well-suited for the Western market and has already been adopted by several international brands.
He gave the example of the modernized Zhongshan suit, which blends Chinese and Western elements. It captures the essence of traditional Chinese culture but also aligning with modern aesthetics. In August of this year Hu Bing showcased New Chinese Style during the Paris Olympics. He wore a modernized Zhongshan suit designed by Shanghai Tang.
The modernized Zhongshan suit incorporates Western-style three-dimensional tailoring, enhancing the garment’s fit and structure, making it more comfortable and contemporary for the wearer. In terms of color, the design incorporates more Western color schemes, using bold contrasts to enrich the visual impact. Traditional Chinese details, such as frog buttons, are used sparingly, maintaining a balance between simplicity and refinement. This approach preserves the beauty of traditional culture while avoiding excessive ornamentation, offering a fresh visual experience that reflects both aesthetic depth and a sense of history.
Discussing this, Hu Bing thoughtfully elaborated on his “fashion philosophy.” He believes that when Chinese brands enter the international market, if they rely too heavily on native elements, it can create a sense of distance for international consumers. “Design should serve people. It shouldn’t just aim to catch the eye, but rather help people understand and appreciate the beauty within,” he said.
Hu Bing advises young designers to first thoroughly understand the culture and lifestyle of their target market. This will enable them to create works that resonate with international tastes, while then carefully incorporating Chinese elements. He emphasizes that for Chinese fashion brands to become international, they must find the balance between traditional Chinese aesthetics and global fashion trends in their designs.
“This is a challenging path,” he admits, “but I believe it’s a journey worth every effort.”
Article written by Yini Wang. Additional reporting by Liangyi Yu, Haoxuezi Tian, Zixuan Wang, and Jiaying Yu. Translated and edited by Robert Postings. If you liked this article why not read: Chinese Village Cafés: More Than Just a Cup of Coffee.
