Before becoming a WorldSkills champion, Zhou Qinfei felt discouraged after her first internship in the fashion industry.
"I wasn't confident in my skills, and communicating was a struggle," she recalled.
Instead of giving up, Zhou returned to school and joined a WorldSkills training program. She later turned down a promotion at a fashion company to focus on preparing for international competition, often training for more than 12 hours a day.
At the 47th WorldSkills Competition in Lyon, France, competitors faced unfamiliar materials, new equipment, and less time to complete their designs. Zhou's innovative garment earned her Gold, helping China secure a fourth consecutive title in Fashion Technology.
Yet what impressed her most was not the medal.
"Every country brought a unique design language," she said. "That's what inspired me most."
Today, Zhou continues to explore the connection between fashion, craftsmanship, and culture, showcasing her designs at public events while encouraging more young people to pursue careers in skilled trades.
For Zhou, every stitch is more than a technique: it is a way to connect ideas, cultures, and possibilities.
Reporter: Xie Maishi
Source: Human Resources and Social Security Department of Guangdong Province
