If you love China and fashion, you can find job opportunities in this field and gain experience working in the world's largest economy. Here is a short practical guide to fashion job opportunities in China.
Why work in fashion in China?
The fashion industry has exploded over the past twenty years, and particularly in the last five years. China has experienced tremendous growth thanks to its significant production of fashion products and the emergence of creators now renowned (Guo Pei, Wei Hua, Lu Kun, Uma Wang, etc.). Fashion has become a reflection of social status, and the Chinese population in large cities sees designer clothing as a symbol of modernity. Young Chinese people particularly enjoy experimenting with different styles and seek to stand out with high-quality pieces and strong brands.
China offers numerous opportunities in fashion, particularly in the rapidly expanding luxury sector. Many companies are setting up shop in this country, which is world-renowned in the fashion industry. Beijing and Shanghai stand out from other major Chinese cities in the luxury sector (fashion and cosmetics). China Fashion Week, created in Beijing in 1997, is a global event that attracts designers from around the world. Since 2010, Shanghai Fashion Week has provided brands and designers with the opportunity to develop and establish themselves in the fashion landscape. Guangzhou is also one of the most developed cities: a major textile hub, it is home to a large number of luxury stores and attracts wealthy Chinese consumers.
Available jobs in fashion in China
One-third of global luxury consumers are Chinese. This market offers numerous job opportunities, particularly in management positions such as sales directors, technical sales representatives, and managers. China values French expertise, which, within a company in Shanghai, Beijing, or Guangzhou, demonstrates a certain international outlook. Job opportunities are also flourishing in import-export and customer-supplier relations. Marketing profiles are the most in demand, particularly from business schools. However, fashion schools stand out for their fashion and business-focused teaching, which enables students to promote and sell fashion products.
China is a country that welcomes many Western companies eager to market their luxury products. This gives you the opportunity to launch your own fashion brand: first, you will need to understand Chinese business culture, have a perfect command of English and, if possible, Mandarin, and find reliable suppliers. Since «Made in France» is well-regarded in China, there are job opportunities for entrepreneurs who want to invest in the country. With experience and good language skills, it is entirely possible to working in fashion in China.
Do you dream of working in fashion? Find out more with our quiz: which fashion career is right for you?. I also invite you to consult the entirety of Our specialized Fashion and Luxury training courses.
