An interview with Didier Grumbach, president of Chambre Syndicale de la Haute Couture in France

A group photo

Didier Grumbach: As a designer, I want what I create to be accepted and distributed worldwide. In order to be truly global, China's fashion and garment industry can't just be"Made In China," in the same way that France can't just rely on products "Made In France." Chinese designers should strengthen their relationships with their European counterparts. Nowadays, I notice more and more French designers are establishing partnerships with Chinese entrepreneurs and holding fashion shows in China whenever they have new collections or promotional campaigns. Their products sell well both internationally and in France and we're happy to see them entering the Chinese market gradually.

Host: Here is a question from our friends online. "French women are world famous for their elegance. What do you think is different between the beauty of Chinese women and the beauty of French women?

Didier Grumbach sends his best wishes to the Games.

Didier Grumbach: Actually about ten years ago, we thought Chinese women were petite and charming whereas American women were taller and stronger. We're noticing less of a difference now. It used to be we'd have different measurements for Chinese and European adults, but now measurements are universal. Chinese models are featured on many of the world's most prominent catwalks. These days if you want to hold a fashion show, it's impossible to not have an Asian or Chinese model in your lineup. The concept of beauty in the East and the West is increasingly becoming the same.

Host: Another question from an online friend: "What kind of impact will the rapid growth of labels like ZARA and H&M have on the industry?"

Didier Grumbach: Many products, like ZARA, are made in China and then distributed worldwide. I think we'll see some of these Chinese enterprises, now working for non-Chinese labels, develop their own labels. These labels will have worldwide success. In today's competitive market, I think what decides a label's fate is not price, but rather quality and creativity. When people buy a product they consider style, culture, and quality. You notice that some French goods that sell well in China are extremely expensive, but price is not a consideration for the customer when it comes to these products.

Host: As an Internet company, we're constantly thinking about what our roles and responsibilities are. Apart from being a source of information, how do you see our role?

Didier Grumbach: Websites play an essential role in providing information to customers. Every time we release a new collection, we always invite online media organizations. We know how important they are. What's important to us is that are products are made known to customers as soon as possible. Only the media can make this happen.

Didier Grumbach : The protection of creative property, which you mentioned before, is still an issue. But this will take time. If designs and ideas are leaked to the public before the products are ready for the market, there's a risk of plagiarism. This can be very damaging to a creator. But if a product is ready, that's the perfect time for the media to get involved -- promoting the creativity of the product and encouraging customers to buy.