With the winner of International Designer Exchange Program Angel Chen

For the first time Mercedes-Benz has presented Chinese designer – Angel Chen and her Autumn/Winter 2017 collection at Milan Fashion Week as the winner of the International Designer Exchange Program.

 The unisex collection of Angel Chen Autumn /Winter 2017 was inspired by the idea of the modern tribes who has transferred the tribal handicraft items to the urban area, created by African populations of in Cameroon, Nigeria and Ethiopia. The combination of faux fur fabric mixed with metallic yarn and wool specially fabricated in collaboration with French textile factory – Malhia Kent, gives an innovative mix and outburst of colors, beads and embroidery decorations.

“I am very happy that I have presented my collection in Milan on this season and thanks to the Mercedes-Benz for its invaluable support. The presentation in front of European audience is an important step in order to increase my existence in the strategic markets of Italy, UK and France. I am really excited about this new chapter of my career.” – says Angel Chen.

“Since its beginning in 2009, the International Design Exchange Program has a key role in the global fashion sphere. Possibility to connect two continents with the fashion and supporting young talents for their future developing is an incredibly significant contribution done by Mercedes Benz. Supporting and promoting the talents in fashion industry like Angel Chen and Vivetta Pont, are considered as the core values of us.” – Says Michael Bock – the head of Mercedes-Benz Sport- and Lifestyle marketing.

Born in Shenzhen, the designer graduated from Central Saint Martins in London where she gained positive responses and feedback about her 2014 graduate collection named “Les Noces” (the wedding). After that in 2015, she decided to launch her own label. Later, she was entitled as “one to watch” designer in Forbes list – “30 under 30” in 2016. The style, colors, textures and design launched by Angel Chen is an obvious meeting of the East with the West where you can almost never meet dominating black color.

The second winner of International Designer Exchange Program – Italian designer Vivetta Ponti’s collection will be presented as well at Mercedes-Benz China Fashion Week in March 2017.

Angel Chen was chosen from a shortlist of six Chinese designers and Vivetta Ponti – from a shortlist of five Italian designers in Milan on 23 of February, at the Scalone Arengario of Palazzo Reale. Both designers were selected by a jury composed by Xiao Xue – Chief Content Officer of Elle China, Freda Wang – Marketing Director of Mercedes-Benz China, Carlo Capasa – President of the National Chamber of Italian Fashion, Giusi Ferré – writer and journalist and Karla Otto – founder of Karla Otto Ltd.

Already throughout 22 years Mercedes-Benz supports designers and through its International Exchange Program offers them unique opportunity to access important platforms of international fashion market.