Blue water and red fire are reflected in Gong Linna's stage costumes designed by Kathrin von Rechenberg. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

Good, never almost as good

"I took a lot of years to realize that my customers can't really see what's wrong in the clothes, but I'm always aware, so I have to make a lot of alterations," Rechenberg said, adding that such a vigorous pursuit in getting the right shape sometimes annoys her customers.

"My clients have to be quite patient. Usually, they will have to stand for an hour, sometimes two, for me to get the perfect cut."

For Rechenberg, a perfect cut should be precise and smooth, just like Chinese calligraphy, which is often finished at one stretch. She always avoids complicated decorations, as it is more often than not a way "to cover up the imperfection of the cut".

"Making clothes is like carving a sculpture. It's about taking off things unnecessary, and you have more strength when it is kept simple," Rechenberg said, this inspiration she got from her father.

"My father is quite precise with the sculpture he's doing. And sometimes he will spend hours adjusting the light, just to get the right shade on the sculpture."

"While I couldn't understand why my father is so particular with his work, it sure influenced me subtly," she said.

Rechenberg said the pursuit of precision was rooted in her as she grew up, and saturated into her life attitude as her self-identity took shape. It is also reflected in her life.

"I don't like superficial people. I hate being extravagant and over dramatic. I would rather find a companion in Bach's music rather than going to parties."