Designer makes splash with wee gowns

She said she began crafting the mini versions in 2018.

"I started making small replicas to see how they looked before making a proper wedding gown and to make adjustments," Cao said, adding that this method helps her save time making the full-size dresses.

Since receiving all the media attention, Cao has received many orders to make mini dresses for decorations and mementos.

Last year, a client from the United States contacted Cao and asked her to make mini copies of the wedding dress she wore at her ceremony as a souvenir.

Although it took three months for the client to receive the dresses because of delivery delays caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, the customer was still very happy, Cao said.

Cao has made more than 200 mini wedding dresses, ranging from 35 to 87 centimeters in length.

Like making a full-size wedding gown, many steps are required to craft mini dresses, including sketching the design, fabric selection, platemaking, cutting and bead sewing.

Once Cao has an idea, she immediately begins to work. "It (inspiration) comes through thought and observation, as well as rich imagination," Cao said.

She hopes to be innovative and establish a personal style.

"I studied design at university and have worked as a fashion designer since then. Many girls may only dream about becoming a fashion designer, but I am lucky enough to have made my dream come true," she said.

Zhu Youfang contributed to this story.