The only female monarch in Chinese History is the subject of Michelle Gan’s graduate collection A Woman’s Story. Gan’s collection explores Wu Ze Tian‘s life from lowly beginnings to becoming ruler of China. Also touching on other women who came into power such as Margaret Thatcher and Theresa May, the collection gives tailoring a modern twist inspired by women’s workwear uniforms.

The collection’s final line-up consists of six looks showcasing Gan’s interpretation of women’s casual tailoring influenced by women of power and women’s work clothes. The collection includes printed striped coats, jackets, shirts and jumpers in materials including mixed cotton linen, waterproof stretch PVC, cotton and peached poly sheeting. Heavily printed stripes are prominent traditional symbols of daring and boldness in the workplace.

Gan has a keen interest in womenswear design and undertook a seven month design internship for London-based fashion designer Sharon Wauchob, working on the development of two seasonal collections.