Designer Zhang Zhaoda injects the Chu culture and his feeling for Wuhan into his designs.[Photo provided to China Daily]

Thus, the choral song Ode to the Yangtze River opened the River Town show at Wuhan Fashion Week's opening ceremony on Sept 20.

Zhang Zhaoda, who has won the China Fashion Award's top Chinese designer prize twice, paid homage to Hubei province instead with a special collection of over 100 pieces of clothing.

Zhang explored several cities in the province, and studied the history and culture of the area, historically known as Chu, a regional state of the Zhou Period (c. 11th cent-221 BC), to develop the line.

His designs featured symbols and folk arts, including Chu and Han embroidery, Western Rancap brocade and patterns borrowed from bronze ware produced in the area in ancient times.