Antiguan and Barbudan Aims for Goal in DaLang Cup China’s Fashion Design Contest

Petra Williams
Petrathespectator.com

Antigua and Barbuda’s Keithroy Andrew Charles is among twenty-one (21) designers of 1,520 submissions who have advanced to the next stage of the 14th DaLang Cup China Women’s Fashion Design Contest, a fashion design competition in China.

Andrew’s journey into fashion design began in his earliest memories. As a child, his mother ensured he was impeccably dressed, and he remained fashion-conscious ever since. His aunt Dorothea taught him how to sew, and he crafted his first garment at the age of six. His passion and creativity flourished during his time in China, where he started designing his own clothes due to the limited styles and sizes available to him.

He has gone on to design for colleagues more as a hobby and for supplemental income, improving his skills and expanding the range of offerings to include accessories.

The first significant recognition of his creativity occurred in 2024 from the Appreciate Africa Network in Beijing, China, where he was nominated for the Africa Pacific Outstanding Achievement in Fashion Design Award.

After receiving the award and with strong encouragement from his circle to take fashion design seriously, Charles accepted the challenge of entering the fashion design competition.

He submitted his entry by the March 16 deadline to understand the process better and was surprised and delighted to be contacted on March 26 about making the cut from over 1,500 entries.

Playing on the 2025 Contest theme, “Bright New # East,” Charles’s design is titled “Threads of Connection. “Charles affirms, “I’m from the Caribbean. My aesthetic involves manipulating African fabric. I’ve lived in China for all of 16 years. I have blended my Afro- Caribbean and Chinese experiences and creativity, bridged these gaps, and brought these
three cultures together within my design.”

According to Charles, the submissions were inspired by the “evolving intersections of culture, heritage, and innovation—where the past informs the future, and where tradition transforms into something boldly new.” He seized the opportunity to explore the modern reinterpretation of the East through the lens of global exchange, reimagining the old Silk Road through today’s One Belt, One Road initiative. Charles added, “My vision is to create a collection that embodies a “Bright New East” that reflects movement, transformation, and a contemporary redefinition of Eastern aesthetics in a globalized world.”

His signature design feature, the cowrie shell, is integrated into the collection. A symbol of prosperity, femininity, and spiritual connection across multiple cultures, it was once used as currency in ancient China, is revered as a protective emblem in African traditions, and is deeply embedded in Caribbean heritage. Charles aims to honour its historical significance while re-imagining its role in modern fashion. With bold, storytelling patterns, Vibrant Ankara fabric is mixed with intricate basket net weaving techniques, a craft shared across continents. Hand-sewn detail will lend authenticity, while Chinese-inspired appliqués, silhouettes, and motifs will create a refined balance between heritage and innovation.

A defining feature of the collection is the handcrafted headpieces, each representing a queen in her own right—strong, regal, and embodying the power of cultural fusion. These headpieces merge the elegance of Chinese imperial adornments with the richness of African and Caribbean craftsmanship and extravagance, symbolizing a new wave of globalized fashion that celebrates rather than separates traditions.

Charles moves to the garment production phase, which concludes June 7, 2025. Judging will be in mid-June 2025. The prize package is US$150,00.00 plus promotion opportunities and industry matchmaking events, a unique showcase of their designs during China Fashion Week in mid-September 2025. The gold medal design will be featured on magazine covers.

Held annually by the Construction and Promotion Centre for Major Regions of Shenzhen Longhua District, this contest is considered one of China’s premier fashion design competitions. DaLang Fashion Town, the contest’s host, is increasingly recognized on the international fashion stage. Dalang initiatives, such as the Shenzhen-Milan Lifestyle Week, have successfully integrated local characteristics with global fashion networks, facilitating cultural exchanges with European fashion hubs and enabling Longhua brands and designers to showcase the unique charm of Oriental aesthetics worldwide.

The DaLang Cup has become a key platform for nurturing talent and pushing the boundaries of women’s fashion design. It welcomes participants from around the world to showcase their creativity and innovation. The competition highlights the ongoing transformation of China’s fashion industry as it shifts towards high-quality development by harnessing technological innovation, cultural creativity, and sustainable practices.

Participants must submit original and unpublished works that reflect the contest theme, align with the latest international fashion trends, and exhibit cultural depth and commercial value.