Ethnic artisans weaving a bright future

Local authorities have lauded He's brocade community workshops, with at least six other similar projects launched in the surrounding areas.

The resurgence in Zhuang brocade is set to expand beyond the region, with He spearheading collaborations with Italian designers to tap global markets.

Her team has been working on novel designer products, such as high-end handbags that bank on the beauty of Zhuang brocade. Initial orders from Italy hit more than 4 million yuan by May, despite pandemic business disruptions.

Italian designer Giancarlo Mossi Borella, who has created winning designs for global fashion houses, says his collaborations with He are based on his deep interest in Chinese culture and its inspiring originality.

"No one is doing what we are doing in Europe. With these Zhuang brocade designs, we are at the forefront of the industry," he says.

"We need to build on branding based on heritage and the original aesthetics, integrating the traditional with the modern," Borella adds.

Angelo Latini, secretary-general of the Italian Chinese Cultural Association, says East-West collaborations like these are based on the "increasing understanding, appreciation and influence of Chinese culture".

Wu Weifeng, secretary of the Party committee of the Guangxi Zhuang autonomous region museum, says exhibitions and events have rolled out nationwide and in other countries, increasing awareness of and education on the brocade heritage.

Zhuang brocade has historical ties with ethnic brocades in Southeast Asian countries, such as Vietnam, Laos and Thailand, with many similarities in techniques and other aspects that extend throughout the region and beyond, he says.

"This reflects the geographical links of the Guangxi Zhuang people and the long-term friendly relations between China and Southeast Asia, as well as the integration and influence of history and culture," Wu says.

"This is also an important aspect of Belt and Road cultural exchanges. You can pull the threads, links and networks together. To study the development of Zhuang brocade, you can see the economic, cultural and maritime 'Silk Road' from China extending to Southeast Asian countries and across the globe."