At the dynamic intersection of avant-garde spirit and contemporary aesthetics, The faculties and students from the Academy of Arts & Design, Tsinghua University (AADTHU) have once again projected their profound artistic voice onto the global stage. On December 8, the prestigious award ceremony for the Pierre Cardin Young Designers Contest (China region) was held at the Guangzhou Opera House. Distinguished by their exceptional creative expression and profound design insights, students and faculty from the Department of Textile and Fashion Design commanded the stage, securing multiple awards, including the Runner-up and Second Runner-up titles.
A Celebration of Innovation and Heritage
Initiated by the iconic French fashion house Pierre Cardin, this reputed competition seeks to identify young design talents worldwide who champion a pioneering spirit and potential for innovation. The jury, led by Rodrigo Basilicati Cardin, President of the Pierre Cardin brand and Director of the Paris Studio, conducted a rigorous selection process. From hundreds of submissions representing nearly one hundred universities across China, Tsinghua students emerged as standouts.
Zhang Xinyue, a Master’s candidate (Class of 2025) in the Department of Textile and Fashion Design, claimed the Runner-up title for her collection, Born Between Passion.
Lin Rong was awarded Second Runner-up for her work, Heliocentrism.
Additionally, student Zhou Yuqing successfully reached the finalist stage. In recognition of the institution’s excellence in guidance and support, the Academy of Arts & Design, Tsinghua University was honored with the Best Organization Award, while Associate Professors Wu Bo and Xiao Rong received the Best Mentor Award.
The ceremony featured high-profile dignitaries, including Sylvain Fourrière, Consul General of France in Guangzhou, who presented the award to Runner-up Zhang Xinyue. A representative for Pierre Cardin Menswear (China) presented the award to Second Runner-up Lin Rong.
Award Ceremony of the Pierre Cardin Young Designers Contest (China Region)
Sylvain Fourrière, Consul General of France in Guangzhou, presents the award to Zhang Xinyue, Runner-up of the China Region.
The Representative for Pierre Cardin Menswear (China) presents the award to Lin Rong, Second Runner-up of the China Region.
Certificates of Achievement awarded to the winning contestants
Certificates for the Best Organization Award and the Best Mentor Award
Zhang Xinyue: Born Between Passion
Preliminary design submission by Zhang Xinyue
On-site hand-drawn sketch by Zhang Xinyue during the finals
Zhang’s winning collection serves as a visual dialogue between sports culture and the context of contemporary fashion. Her design deconstructs the A-line silhouette and dynamic streamlines found in badminton. Through precise tailoring, she successfully reshaped the tension between the garment and spatial volume. The jury commended the work for its “high visual impact and technical maturity,” noting how it pays homage to the brand’s avant-garde DNA while establishing a unique voice.
Lin Rong: Heliocentrism
Preliminary design submission by Lin Rong
On-site hand-drawn sketch by Lin Rong during the finals
Digital fashion webpage developed by Lin Rong
Drawing inspiration from the manga Chi: On the Movements of the Earth (a narrative exploring the historical discovery of heliocentrism), Lin Rong’s collection Heliocentrism utilizes circular forms as the primary silhouette catalyst. Merging sustainability with technology, she incorporated eco-friendly materials to create 3D-printed garment accessories. Demonstrating versatility, Lin also developed a digital fashion webpage for Pierre Cardin, bridging the physical and virtual realms.
A Platform for China-France Artistic Dialogue
This entrant of the competition holds special significance as a key project of the Croisements Festival (Festival Croisements), part of the “Special Presentation for the 60th Anniversary of China-France Diplomatic Relations.” It transcends a mere design contest, acting as a vital platform for artistic dialogue between the two nations.
Mr. Rodrigo Basilicati Cardin expressed high praise for the Tsinghua cohort, remarking that the “whimsical creativity and innovative capabilities” displayed by the Chinese students were refreshing and impressive. Notably, previous China champions from the Academy, graduate students Jiang Wenzhuo and Wang Yunjin, are currently completing internships at the Pierre Cardin Paris Studio, infusing their talent into the legacy of the international fashion house.
The Academy of Arts & Design, Tsinghua University remains steadfast in its commitment to cultivating high-level design talents who possess both a global vision and profound confidence in their native culture. This sweeping victory serves not only as a validation of the creative prowess of the students and faculty but also as a testament to the Academy’s fruitful achievements in international design education cooperation and pedagogical practice.
