Celebrity Chinese Designer Grace Chen Presents her Debut London Collection with a Star-Studded Fashion Show at Lancaster House

SHANGHAI, CHINA - Media OutReach - Jul 4, 2016 - Shanghai-based fashion designer Grace Chen -- whose haute couture styles are favoured by an A-List celebrity clientele, including Oprah Winfrey, Helen Mirren and China's First Lady Peng Liyuan -- celebrated her London debut with a star-studded fashion show and gala reception at the palatial Lancaster House on 11 June 2016.

Grace Chen Couture London debut at Lancaster House

Grace Chen Couture London debut finale at Lancaster House

HRH Princess Olga Romanoff closing the Grace Chen Couture runway show

Lady Ella Mountbatten and Celebrity Designer Grace Chen

Upon royal invitation, Grace Chen presented her new season collection as part of the 90th birthday celebrations for Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. The fashion show celebrated a number of world firsts: It was the first time an haute couture collection from Asia has been showcased as part of British royal celebrations. It was also the first fashion show ever presented at Lancaster House, which is rarely open to the public, and was once part of the royal palace grounds.

The show, titled Simply Divine, was styled as an homage to the Queen and the British royal court. A curated collection of 50 dresses sashayed down the runway, modelled by both professional models and aristocratic beauties of all ages.

The show opened with Lady Ella Mountbatten making her runway debut in an embroidered China-red dress. The gown's extravagant silhouette set a regal tone, while Grace Chen's signature exquisite draping added a feminine softness. Closing the show was Princess Olga Romanoff, descendant of the Russian Tsars, wearing an ethereal soft-green gown custom created for her by Grace Chen.

Grace Chen's designs seamlessly marry time-honoured traditions of Chinese tailoring and embroidery with whimsical global detailing to create one-of-a-kind dresses that are elegant, sophisticated and personal. Among the regal designs showcased, one couture gown featured a Chinese high collar and flowing Waltz skirt. Other gowns were handcrafted in luxurious silk with fine eastern embroidery. The models' hair and make-up was elegant and understated to match the elite, modern style.

"Every woman can feel like a queen and enjoy a 'regal moment' when they respect and indulge themselves in beauty," said designer Grace Chen. Reflecting the powerful and sophisticated women that she designs for, many notable British and Chinese celebrities and VIPs attended the show.

Immediately following the Grace Chen fashion show and reception, Lancaster House hosted the 21st Russian Summer Ball, an important fixture on the London social scene since 1996, with guests of honour including members of the famous Romanoff dynasty (the Imperial Russian Royal Family) plus European royal families and world-famous celebrities.

"The Power Dresser ...who China's top achieving women turn to"

Regarded as one of the most influential couture designers in China, Grace Chen was hailed by South China Morning Post in 2015 as "the power dresser...who China's top achieving women turn to".

Chen graduated from the Fashion Institute of Technology in New York City and worked as a fashion designer in New York City and Los Angeles for 15 years. She returned to Shanghai in 2009 and established her own couture brand, Grace Chen, attracting an elite fashion following with her unique style of Oriental beauty.

Appealing to style-setters in China and around the world who are now looking beyond established luxury labels to more unique and self-defining designs, Grace Chen's exclusive made-to-order designs range from elegant evening gowns and cocktail dresses, to chic day and business wear.

The brand celebrated the opening of its first boutique, Grace Chen's Garden, in May 2016. Located in Shanghai's former French Concession, the boutique is crafted as an international fashion destination integrating a boutique, gallery, library, movie theatre and fashion lounge. As well as showcasing her latest designs and facilitating private fittings, Grace Chen's Garden will host elite fashion, lifestyle and social events.

Grace Chen's London fashion show debut in June 2016 follows the brand's recent showcases in Europe, as it continues to attract a global clientele of elite women. In early 2016, Grace Chen was invited to attend Paris Fashion Week, and she also presented a runway show in Brussels in 2015 as part of celebrations for the 40th anniversary of China-European Union relations.

Image

Grace Chen Couture London debut at Lancaster House

http://release.media-outreach.com/i/Download/5004

Grace Chen Couture London debut finale at Lancaster House

http://release.media-outreach.com/i/Download/5003

HRH Princess Olga Romanoff closing the Grace Chen Couture runway show

http://release.media-outreach.com/i/Download/5001

Lady Ella Mountbatten and Celebrity Designer Grace Chen

http://release.media-outreach.com/i/Download/5000

Logo

http://release.media-outreach.com/i/Download/4996

GRACE CHEN COUTURE

Grace Chen is a Shanghai based Chinese-American fashion designer. Grace graduated from the Fashion Institute of Technology in New York City and worked as a fashion designer in New York City and Los Angeles for 15 years.

Her designs were seen on many notable celebrities in the U.S., such as Oprah Winfery and Helen Mirren. Grace returned to Shanghai in 2009 and established her own couture brand, Grace Chen. Her unique style of oriental beauty was soon embraced by the female elites in Shanghai and Beijing. Grace is now regarded as one of the most influential couture designers in China.

For more information, kindly visit: www.gracechenstyle.com

Distributed on behalf of Grace Chen Couture by GHC Asia