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DRESSING FOR AN... Afternoon Sightseeing

Chinese-born, London based designer and Central Saint Martins graduate; Huishan Zhang's luxurious fashion brand is based on eastern heritage meets western influences. His collections create a romantic, sophisticated and ageless philosophy with strong lines, feminine details and directional designs.

Huishan was hand-picked by Delphine Arnault to work in the house of Dior, Paris working in leather goods and Dior's Haute Couture Atelier whilst studying. Huishan returned to London where he graduated in 2010 with a BA Honours and MA in pattern cutting and has since received support from NewGen. London's V&A museum has selected his couture "Dragon Dress" to become a permanent piece in the T.T TSUI gallery-making him the first Chinese contemporary fashion designer to receive this honour.

He has been shortlisted for the Dorchester Collection Fashion Prize 2013 alongside Barbara Casasola, Fyodor Golan, Emilia Wickstead. The Luxury Travel Bible spoke to the designer about how to look stylish when travelling and what is the inspiration behind his collections.

Huishan Zhang

How can travellers look fashionable on an afternoon sightseeing?

You never should look like you are trying to hard when you are meant to be relaxing! Comfortable, much loved shoes are essential for all the walking round the sights. Afternoons lead lazily into evenings on holiday, so make sure your sightseeing outfit can happily go from day to night.

What one key piece should every traveler pack to stand out?

Big black sunglasses, to add a bit of glamour.

Three things do you never travels without?

1. Ipad
2.Sketchbook
3.An Inspirational Book

What is the design inspiration behind your collection?

Inspiration comes from Chinese culture heritage blended with modern western influences and modernity and tradition combined. For example the new collection is inspired by Madame Vionnet, Man Ray and ancient Chinese mathematics. I design for a international, cultured woman, I think about couture elements and techniques and how modern women can wear couture inspired clothes every day.