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Uma Wang

Designer, Uma Wang

China’s breakout design star, championed by Vogue China, her textural approach to form and fabric have won her widespread acclaim.

Biography

Since the launch of her eponymous label, Chinese fashion designer Uma Wang has showcased catwalk collections at London, Paris and Milan fashion weeks and has garnered critical acclaim from industry insiders such as Franca Sozzani and Hung Huang

Wang formerly studied textiles at China Textile University in Shanghai, before moving to London to pursue a fashion design degree at Central Saint Martin’s. Prior to launching her label in 2005, Wang had worked as an in-house designer for several Chinese labels, which she credits for having honed her skills in textiles and patterns.

An avid champion of the domestic Chinese fashion industry, Wang has secured a regular showcase at the Shanghai Fashion Week alongside her international presentations and has opened four stand-alone boutiques within the Chinese mainland. Beginning the brand by launching six collections a year, the brand's global orders quickly gained traction and and increased by 30-50 percent with each year. Produced in Italy, Wang is also stocked in several boutiques in London, Milan and New York, alongside around 100 retail outlets around the world.

Named by Vogue Italia as an one of their up-and-coming designer’s to watch for her contemporary draped designs and innovative pairing of textured fabrics, Wang has also been awarded a number of fashion awards such as the 2011 Audi Progressive Designer Award, the Beijing CCDC Best Designer award in 2010 and the Shanghai Fashion Week award for the Finest Craft and Best Creativity. In 2012 Wang was selected to be the first Chinese designer to take part in the inaugural CFDA/China Exchange Programme, meeting with several high profile industry insiders and gaining significant exposure in the American market.

In 2017, Wang curtailed product releases in Milan, transferring her seasonal debuts to Paris Fashion Week instead. 

Career

Uma Wang

Uma Wang

Designer

1996 - Present

London, United Kingdom

Education

Shanghai Textile University

Shanghai Textile University

Central Saint Martins

Central Saint Martins

Vital Statistics

Born
10 May 1973
Nationality

China

Location
China
Member since
2013

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What is The BoF 500?

The people shaping the global fashion industry, curated by the editors of The Business of Fashion, based on nominations and on-the-ground intelligence from around the world.