Marching to a creative tune
- Source: Global Times
- [23:18 November 24 2009]
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Liu was born in Urumqi, capital of Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, and after completing college studies in Xi'an, Shaanxi Province, he left China in the early 1990s to pursue an international career in fashion design. He headed to New Zealand to study textile design before working in Hong Kong for the Benetton brand. Next stop was the London College of Fashion, followed by an apprenticeship at Burberry, famous for its distinctive, plaid-lined trenchcoats, at the time when creative head Bailey was starting to revitalize the business.
"When I first started out after leaving China it was tough working for an English-speaking company," admitted Liu, now 40, whose command of the language is now fluent. "But it was great experience, I learned so much and it gave me confidence.
"Working at Burberry was invaluable – you learn about quality and finishing. It is completely different from High Street fashion. Having said that, I believe there is nothing wrong with having a commercial eye alongside creativity. I want to create collections with international relevance and appeal."
Liu's first encounter with fashion came as a kid growing up in China during the 1970s. Liu's father was a theater-set designer with a PLA troupe and – as a creative unit – they were given special dispensation to have access to imported fashions, lifestyles and art magazines. Liu was particularly mesmerized by Japanese fashion titles, his first glimpse at the colorful and creative world that existed outside China, and became a life-long fan of iconic designers Issye Miyake and Yohji Yamamoto,
The designer credits that early exposure to the world of theater, art and design as being deeply influential in his choice of future career. The peripatetic life also meant Liu became used to travel from an early age and adept at making new friends.
"The troupe had very creative and artistic people," recalled Liu. "I was very privileged to have that kind of exposure – not many people did in those days. I was always surrounded by music – I still know all the songs! It also meant I lived all over China: I was born in Urumqi and my parents still go back there to visit.
"I think I get my creative and design side from my father, and my organized side from my mother who was a professor of mathematics. I think both my parents are happy that I have found success in design. My dad still gives me advice!"
The Chris and Tibor business is now at a crucial stage, with the duo facing the decision whether to stay as they are – successful but relatively small players – or make major expansion plans, meaning a far greater financial outlay and more staff. It is a happy dilemma to be in: as well as their own popular lines, name-brand companies have asked Chris and Tibor to come up with one-off ranges.
Although the designs do not feature any significant Chinese elements, Liu is proud of his roots and aware he is something of a trailblazer as one of the first designers born and raised in the country to enjoy success overseas.
