Andrew Charles’s work “Threads of Connection” won the “Wave Award” (Bronze Award) in the 14th “Dalang Cup” Chinese Women’s Wear Design Competition.
During his presentation, Andrew shared, ‘ _The collection I created, Threads of Connection, is not just fashion. It’s a testament to the three cultural forces that have shaped my life: the Caribbean, where I was born and raised; China, where I’ve lived and grown for most of my adult life; and Africa, the ancestral homeland that grounds my identity. This collection is my statement, fashion can tell stories that are layered, global, and unapologetically personal_.”
Central to his collection was the cowrie shell—an ancient, sacred symbol that speaks across continents. It was used as currency in China and symbolised womanhood and protection in Africa. In the Caribbean, cowrie shells are jewellery, a part of the region’s roots and stories.
Andrew referred to his pieces as ‘a visual metaphor’, where the vibrant storytelling energy of the Ankara fabrics intertwines with the lattice technique (a weaving method), which is rooted in craftsmanship that appears across multiple continents. Each piece was hand-sewn.
The headpieces transformed each model into fierce, radiant, regal queens of spirit, culture, and resilience.
The judges’ remarks indicated that the design logic of the top three creators was mature and complete. The designs focused on the “small and beautiful” figurative elements in traditional culture, while demonstrating their unique design. The pieces were also deemed commercial market friendly. Designers from overseas countries and regions were complemented for seamlessly integrating “their familiar local culture with Chinese art.”
Andrew’s winnings include cash and the opportunity to be on show at China’s Annual Fashion Week in September later this year. Other components of his prize package will improve his prospects for growth in the fashion industry. He reflects that while it was a competition, his design ‘Threads of Connection’ goes beyond winning. He states ‘ _It’s my way of defending a truth I live every day: that we are all the sum of many cultures, many stories, and many legacies. And fashion, when done with care, can carry all of that_.’
The 14th Dalang Cup China Women’s Wear Design Competition is hosted by the China National Garment Association and the People’s Government of Longhua District, Shenzhen. It is organized by the Shenzhen Longhua District Key Area Construction Promotion Centre, China Fashion Magazine, and the Dalang Sub-district Office of Longhua District, Shenzhen, and co-organized by China Textile Publishing House Co., Ltd.
Among the more than 400 attendees were heads of well-known fashion schools, fashion designers, clothing companies, and media representatives from more than 40 news agencies across China, including CCTV News, Xinhua News Agency, People’s Daily Online, CCTV.com, China Economic Net, Global Network, China Textile News, China Fashion Magazine, Shenzhen Satellite TV, Shenzhen Special Zone Daily, and Southern Metropolis Daily.