British universities have witnessed a rise of over 150 per cent in the number of Chinese students coming to study fashion and design, with many going on to work for the world's best-known fashion houses or setting up their own labels.
New data released by the Higher Education Statistics Agency (HESA) showed the universities experienced the increase in Chinese students over the past five years. They came to study creative arts and design.
Business studies remains the most popular subject that draws Chinese students to world-class centres of learning like the London School of Economics and Political Science.
However, in London, creative arts have overtaken more traditional subjects like engineering, technology and mathematics to become the second most popular course studied by the Chinese.
Kevin McCarthy, head of education and culture at London & Partners, the city s not-for-profit promotional organisation, said: "In the last 10 years, we have seen a consistent rise in Chinese students studying at London's top universities.
"The number of Chinese studying arts and design has risen a staggering 158 per cent over the last five years, with the UAL, which encompasses six top art schools, experiencing extremely large rises."
Many of these students are setting up businesses, creating their own labels and going on to work for some of Britain's and the world's top labels, including Vivienne Westwood, John Galliano, Alexander McQueen, Swarovski and Dior.
This week, as London celebrates its Fashion Week at Somerset House on The Strand, 14 countries are displaying the best of their emerging talent a few doors down the road at the British Council's International Fashion Showcase 2014.
Young designers from across the world are trying to make their impression on the fashion scene.
The Chinese showcase features some of that country's best talent, with seven having studied at University of the Arts London (UAL), which can boast names like Alexander McQueen, Stella McCartney and Jimmy Choo among its alumni.
The Chinese exhibition is inspired by Lewis Carroll's book "Alice In Wonderland" and features an array of mesmerising designs, while 3D video-mapping and a themed projection guides visitors through an immersive journey in Wonderland.
Chinese students now make up the biggest group of international students in London, followed by those from the US and India.
