SOOCHOW CO., a local fashion brand of Gusu district, Suzhou, made its debut at Nasdaq MarketSite at Times Square, New York City recently, showing the world the unique appeal of traditional Suzhou culture and the innovative mindset of Suzhou entrepreneurs.
Ma Yifan, SOOCHOW CO. founder, is a post-90s Suzhou native. After graduating from FIT, she returned to Suzhou and founded her own brand SOOCHOW CO. Focusing on the city's rich culture, Ma has drawn her inspiration from classical gardens, ancient city walls, small bridges and flowing creeks, and created original clothes that highlight the special charm of her hometown.
"When I studies abroad, what I missed most was Suzhou-style noodles." Hence a T-shirt with the patterns of noodles and toppings was born. "Foreigners are able to understand the food culture of Suzhou through this T-shirt. They all praised it as 'incredibly exquisite'!"
T-shirt with Suzhou-style noodles
T-shirt with paper-cut patterns that combine both Chinese and Western elements
"SOOCHOW CO.'s appearance on the international stage would not have been possible without the generous support of Suzhou." When she started her own business, Ma knew that Gusu district offered supportive policies for talents, including three-year rent subsidy, which was of great help to her at that time.
Suzhou issued a package of measures to support the development of young talents during this year's Entrepreneurship Week for International Elites in Suzhou. The city now has 28 youth talent communities where new graduates coming to Suzhou for work can stay up to 14 days for free.
