New fashion using ancient craftsmanship hits runways

Jacquard fabrics with traditional Chinese cultural elements and ancient Li brocade crafts caught the eye of global designers at the recently concluded Premiere Vision Paris show.

Joining hands with Shanghai Skytex Fashion Technology Co Ltd, a design innovation team from the College of Textiles at Donghua University, brought new vitality to the ancient craft through a series of jacquard fabrics and handbags at the notable biannual show on Feb 12.

Boasting a history of over 3,000 years, the brocade is a traditional craft of the Li ethnic group in Hainan province, and is listed as a national intangible cultural heritage.

The jacquard Li brocade fabrics displayed at the show were described as artworks with Chinese charm. Their exquisite patterns were inspired by the ethnic group's traditional gourd totem, precisely layered snake scale textures to mark the Year of the Snake, and vibrant colors representing rainforests and good fortune.

Showcasing a balanced blend of traditional Chinese culture and modern aesthetics and techniques, the fabrics captivated attendees and explored new possibilities for this ancient craft.