Carrie Hare's designs from her capsule collection of autumn and winter apparel.

Fanciful rabbits and unicorns modernize traditional French toile du jouy and give a new spin on the classic kimono. All the pieces are imbued with Hare's casual chic aesthetic, moving easily from work to play.

Game on for designers

Fired up by clay

Meanwhile, her latest legwear collection is dubbed When Nature Reigns and depicts environmental stories such as a deep-sea forest or a violet earthquake. (It's a play on the word violent, as the color used is violet.)

"I like a good range of darkly intense, sharp colors such as pink and purple, as well as metallic," Hare says. "I don't want my designs to be too feminine as many of my customers prefer sporty, unisex designs. I personally love geometric, strong lines and forms, and often collage them with softer elements such as florals."

Hare finds inspiration in the most unlikely of places, such as photography, advertising, films or books. She feels that each of her prints is like a work of art - yet is more accessible than a painting hanging in a gallery because it can be worn.

Her customers are typically women between 20 and 40 years old, who seek unusual designs made from excellent materials. Many are expatriates or have been educated overseas, and understand the concept of getting what you pay for, even in a pair of tights or leggings.

"My products showcase a blend of Eastern and Western influences, and I think this blend is something that is dear to the heart of the contemporary Chinese woman," Hare says.

"I think that Beijing and possibly Hangzhou are where we would most likely succeed in China. We are still looking for a partner shop in Beijing. I understand that Inner Mongolian customers love bold designs, but I haven't explored that market yet.

Contact the writer at sundayed@chinadaily.com.cn.