Antiguan and Barbudan designer Keithroy Andrew Charles has advanced to the next stage of the 14th DaLang Cup China Women’s Fashion Design Contest, emerging among 21 finalists from a pool of 1,520 submissions.
Charles’s passion for fashion began in childhood. Dressed impeccably by his mother and taught to sew by his aunt Dorothea, he created his first garment at just six years old. Living in China for the past 16 years, he began designing clothes for himself due to limited style and size options, eventually crafting pieces for friends and colleagues as a hobby and source of supplemental income.
His talent gained significant recognition in 2024 when he was nominated by the Appreciate Africa Network in Beijing for the Africa Pacific Outstanding Achievement in Fashion Design Award. Encouraged by his peers, Charles decided to enter the DaLang Cup to gain experience—submitting his design by the March 16 deadline. On March 26, he was thrilled to learn that his work had been selected for the next stage.
His submission, titled “Threads of Connection,” reflects the contest’s 2025 theme, “Bright New # East.” Charles said, “I’m from the Caribbean. My aesthetic involves manipulating African fabric. I’ve lived in China for 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.”
His concept explores the evolving intersections of culture, heritage, and innovation—drawing parallels between the ancient Silk Road and China’s modern One Belt, One Road initiative. His goal is to reinterpret Eastern aesthetics through a global lens, reflecting transformation and interconnectedness.
A signature motif in Charles’s designs is the cowrie shell —a symbol of prosperity, femininity, and spirituality that has roots in ancient Chinese currency, African traditions, and Caribbean culture. His pieces incorporate vibrant Ankara fabrics, basket weaving techniques, Chinese-inspired appliqués, and hand-sewn details.
A standout feature of the collection is its handcrafted headpieces, each representing a regal queen. These blend Chinese imperial elegance with African and Caribbean craftsmanship, representing the power and beauty of cultural fusion.
Charles now enters the garment production phase, which concludes on June 7, 2025. Final judging takes place in mid-June. The competition offers a prize package worth US$150,000, along with promotional opportunities, industry matchmaking events, and a special showcase during China Fashion Week in September. The winning design will also grace the covers of leading fashion magazines.
Organized by the Construction and Promotion Centre for Major Regions of Shenzhen Longhua District, the DaLang Cup is one of China’s premier fashion competitions. Hosted in DaLang Fashion Town—known for fostering international fashion exchange—the contest promotes creativity, cultural dialogue, and sustainable innovation in fashion.
Participants must present original, unpublished designs that resonate with the contest’s theme while embodying global trends, cultural richness, and commercial appeal.