Chinese fashion struts on global stage

At the Sino-French Fashion Week, which concluded last month, designer Meng Yueming presents 30 outfits to the runway at the China Cultural Center in Paris. He taps into the rich cultural heritage in Quanzhou, Fujian province, including ancient buildings (left) and the local traditional dresses and decorations, such as zanhua (a floral headdress). [Photo provided to China Daily]

"Everything in Quanzhou is somehow connected with the ocean, which has inspired me in several ways," says the designer from Beijing. "It's quite different from the way I used to create. The fusion of culture is a completely different feeling."

Zhang Kaidi, the show's jewelry designer, feels the same. Drawing inspiration from marine elements, such as shells, fishes and waves, she designed a collection of bracelets, necklaces and earrings, using 3D technology.

For her, the event was a good opportunity for Chinese culture and designers to be seen on the global stage.

Describing the show as "fantastic", Isabelle Lawson, executive director of the French International Art Salon, says it was a "brilliant" idea for the designers to transform Quanzhou's landmarks and architecture into the patterns displayed on the runway.

The week was designed to deepen China-France cultural exchange and cooperation in the realm of fashion, aligning with the specific measures outlined in the joint declaration to enhance collaboration in the cultural and creative industries between China and France, according to the introduction on the official website of the China Cultural Center in Paris.