Commissions have since flooded in, and new products in their online store often sell out quickly. The rocketing fame has also introduced Zhao and his work to an international stage: The velvet flowers appeared as hat embellishments in Dior's men summer 2024 collection and show.

Zhao and his team worked with the Dior atelier to adapt this colorful velvet tradition for haute couture menswear, evoking a sense of crisp, playful modernity, practicality and ease.

"They (Dior) used our velvet flowers in the knit hats," Zhao says, "which is creative and unique".

"The use of Chinese elements is a recognition of our traditional culture. Meanwhile, we have also learned new ideas of design, and felt what is happening in the global fashion world. The collaboration is a fruit of people-to-people exchanges."

Zhao believes that he should continue to work slowly, so that quality and creativity are not sacrificed for quick return.

"I tell young people at the workshop that a lot of seasoned artisans older than me, as well as of my generation, have made velvet flowers their whole lives and have remained unknown.

"I tell them that we should first have good technique, good designs and quality, then we can carve out a niche in the market and make a living from it. That is basically what we can and should do well when we have committed to a career. Then maybe one day, good things will happen, and we will be rewarded."