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In pictures: Designed by China: creativity, culture and a new global influence

2 people sitting on a cream sofa chatting. Behind them a larger group of people are standing around, some talking to each other. There are big glass windows at the back.
  • Written byEleanor Harvey
  • Published date 27 May 2026
2 people sitting on a cream sofa chatting. Behind them a larger group of people are standing around, some talking to each other. There are big glass windows at the back.
Designed by China: creativity, culture and a new global influence, at Central Saint Martins, 2026, UAL | Photograph: Berenice Guzzo

In April, University of the Arts London (UAL) alumni were invited to a series of panel discussions exploring China’s fast-evolving creative industries and how the country is shaping global culture.

The event brought together voices from business, media and the creative industries, including UAL alumni, to explore what’s really emerging from China right now. Through shared insight and real‑world experience, speakers examined what these shifts mean for creative practice, commercial opportunity and career development.

The first panel focussed on the topic of China’s Fashion Moment. Moderated by marketing executive Adrian Farina, panellists included London College of Fashion (LCF) graduate Yutong Liang alongside Jo Taylor and Sam Shaw, who discussed how a new generation of Chinese brands and creatives are moving from manufacturing to meaning, and what’s driving this shift.

The second session looked at ‘Cool China in Practice’ and how China’s evolving cultural and commercial landscape is creating real, practical opportunities. The conversation was moderated by Oliver Pearce, a London College of Communication 2008 MA Publishing graduate and former President of the UAL China Alumni Association, and the panellists were Yiran Duran, Greg Chiang Williams and Alex Wilson.

Photos from the evening

All photos by Berenice Guzzo

2 people sat on a sofa chatting. The person on the left is looking down at their phone and smiling, the person on the right is leaning forward. In front of them is a low table with drinks and leaflets on. Behind them are large glass windows with tables outside the room. A person is sitting at a bench outside, and people are walking past.
Designed by China: creativity, culture and a new global influence, at Central Saint Martins, 2026, UAL | Photograph: Berenice Guzzo
2 people standing and chatting. The wall at the back is covered with posters.
Designed by China: creativity, culture and a new global influence, at Central Saint Martins, 2026, UAL | Photograph: Berenice Guzzo
4 speakers sat on the stage; 3 are sat close together on the left and the moderator is sat on the right hand side. A few rows of the audience sitting and listening can be seen at the bottom. Behind the speakers is a screen with ''Panel 1: China's Fashion Moment. From 'Made in China' to 'Designed by China'. Jo Taylor - Founder, Glow Inc; Yutong Liang - journalist and PhD Researcher; Sam Shaw - Director of Strategy - Canvas8
Designed by China: creativity, culture and a new global influence, at Central Saint Martins, 2026, UAL | Photograph: Berenice Guzzo
Yutong Liang holding a microphone up and speaking, She's wearing a short sleeved, purple shirt.
Designed by China: creativity, culture and a new global influence, at Central Saint Martins, 2026, UAL | Photograph: Berenice Guzzo
Jo Taylor, Yutong Liang and Sam Shaw are sitting and looking at Adrian Farina, who is talking into a microphone and has his hand up. There are 2 low tables with bottles of water on.
Designed by China: creativity, culture and a new global influence, at Central Saint Martins, 2026, UAL | Photograph: Berenice Guzzo
Oliver Pearce standing and holding a microphone up to his mouth.
Designed by China: creativity, culture and a new global influence, at Central Saint Martins, 2026, UAL | Photograph: Berenice Guzzo
2 people sitting; the man on the left is holding a microphone in the left hand and speaking. His right hand is up gesturing. On the right, a woman with 2 long plaits is smiling and looking up at the ceiling. Her hands are linked in her lap.
Designed by China: creativity, culture and a new global influence, at Central Saint Martins, 2026, UAL | Photograph: Berenice Guzzo
A man in a peaked cap is sitting with his legs crossed, holding a microphone in his right hand. His left hand is folded over and he's looking to the left. A woman is sitting on the right, looking at him, her hands are linked together over the arm of the chair. Behind them is the corner of a projector screen.
Designed by China: creativity, culture and a new global influence, at Central Saint Martins, 2026, UAL | Photograph: Berenice Guzzo

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