Sustainable Chinese luxury, German style

Gong Linna's stage costumes designed by Kathrin von Rechenberg include gowns representing wood and earth. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

It might also explain why Rechenberg insists in being in charge of everything she does to achieve the best possible result - going to Shunde to see for herself how the production of tea silk is going on, and working with her colleagues in her workshop to dye the clothing.

"I try to be both an artisan and an artist at the same time," she said.

Observing such an attitude in the past years, in return, Rechenberg has attracted attention from celebrities who share common perspectives.

Two years ago, famous Chinese singer Gong Linna and her husband, Robert, contacted Rechenberg, asking if she could make outfits for her concert that have been prepared for three years.

"It was my first time to work with a celebrity. Robert and I talked a lot about what the concert is like, and the central idea of the show. He and I share the same working attitude, so it was quite a congenial cooperation."

"I would like to work with those with artistic achievement, rather than pure celebrities. And I think they can understand the beauty of my clothing," Rechenberg said.

Now residing in Beijing for more than a decade, Rechenberg's small studio has grown into a workshop that has over a dozen employees. And she has grown more "picky" on her customers.

"I hated being 'almost as good', it's never good for me, and I hope to sell my clothes to those who respect and can appreciate them," she said.