On the sunny side of the streets

Green is the new black

"It's modern sport chic coupled with some retro feminine appeal. The accessories are very imaginative. It will sell very well," fashion critic Lin Jian posted on his micro blog after the show.

Having modeled for almost all the big names including Dior, Lanvin and Alexander McQueen, Lu is confident about how to dress young, chic metropolitan women like herself.

"I have worn so many designers that I know what materials and shapes fit the wearers best. Because I'm not a trained designer, I think more from the wearer's point of view," Lu says.

While she says the shortage of systematic design training might result in a lack of a strong motif in her collection, Lu has her own way of working.

Lu's work usually starts in the material market, where she gets her inspiration by observing different materials.

"Compared to a trained designer, I might not have a very clear concept from the very start. I usually start from a very small thing that intrigues me and gradually develop it into an entire collection."

Lu has recruited a 16-person design team. The main ideas are her own and the team supports her with more detailed work like drawing and making patterns.

Although the debut received much acclaim, some critics have said the collection borrows styles from other high fashion labels. But Lu is not easily intimated by criticism.