Esmod Guangzhou, a franchise of French fashion design school Esmod, aims to stress hands-on ability and style creativity in the capital of Guangdong province, which produces more than 20 percent of all the garments made in China.

In partnership with Guangzhou Textile Industry and Trade Holdings, which is involved in textiles, garment manufacturing, export and education, the new school will start classes in September.

Fashion design schools in China recruit students based on academic scores and drawing ability, but Esmod Guangzhou assesses applicants' understanding of fashion with a 13-page test paper, said Liu Huiming, deputy director of Esmod Guangzhou.