Huishan Zhang is the winner of the 2013 Dorchester Collection Fashion Prize. Huishan Zhang was presented with an endowment of £25,000 from Dorchester Collection’s chief executive officer Christopher Cowdray, along with an engraved Baccarat crystal trophy and a stay at a Dorchester Collection property, and in a new element launched this year, the prospect of one-to-one mentoring from a selection of the judges.

Chinese-born, London-based designer and Central Saint Martins’ graduate Huishan Zhang has created a luxurious brand where eastern heritage meets western influence. He was hand-picked by Delphine Arnault to work in the house of Dior whilst still a student. London’s V&A museum has selected his couture “Dragon Dress” to become a permanent piece in the T.T. TSUI gallery – making him the first Chinese contemporary fashion designer to receive this honour.

The esteemed judges of the 2013 Dorchester Collection Fashion Prize present at the final included Frederic Aranda, fashion and portrait photographer; Lorenz Baumer, jewellery designer; Derek Blasberg, best-selling author and fashion writer; Fabia Di Drusco, features editor of L’Uomo Vogue; Jean-Pierre Greff, director of Geneva’s School of Art and Design; Daniella Helayel, founder of Issa; Stephen Jones, milliner; Nicholas Oakwell, couture designer; Margherita Perico, personal stylist, fashion consultant, writer and international speaker; Rupert Sanderson, shoe designer; and Stephen Webster, jewellery designer.

The grand final was an opportunity for the talented shortlisted designers – Barbara Casasola, Fyodor Golan, Emilia Wickstead and Huishan Zhang – to present their designs at a catwalk show to the assembled audience of judges and international VIP guests and media. After deliberation, the judges agreed that the collection displayed by Huishan Zhang best evoked the spirit of individuality, luxury, style, innovation and craftsmanship, which epitomise Dorchester Collection’s iconic hotels. ‘)}