Beijing, China, emerged as the focal point of global fashion trends this week, as the autumn/winter 2024 (AW2024) Beijing Fashion Week kicked off on March 18th, set to run until the 22nd. This convergence of art, culture, and technology not only marks a significant milestone in the development of the capital’s fashion culture industry but also sets the stage for a qualitative leap forward.
Opening this season’s fashion extravaganza is Xiong Ying, a designer renowned for her seamless integration of Chinese traditional craftsmanship with contemporary art. While she has graced the stages of China Fashion Week on multiple occasions, this marks her inaugural opening of Beijing Fashion Week, thereby establishing a new pinnacle in her illustrious career and reaffirming her influence in the global fashion sphere.
Presenting her latest collection titled “Huaxia Bihua,” Xiong Ying draws inspiration from the moon and its symbolic significance in Chinese culture. Through a palette of soft and vibrant colors such as creamy white, pale green, and light pink, she encapsulates the profound yearnings associated with the lunar entity. Incorporating techniques like Suzhou embroidery and the Kesi weaving method, a traditional Chinese silk tapestry renowned for its intricate designs, Xiong Ying pays homage to the elegance of Eastern women while embodying the essence of Chinese wisdom and aesthetics.
Since the inception of her fashion label, Heaven Gaia, in 2013, Xiong Ying has been at the forefront of China’s fashion landscape, pioneering the integration of traditional Chinese culture into her creations. For her, Chinese culture serves as an endless reservoir of inspiration, fueling her imagination and creativity as she endeavors to eloquently showcase its essence through contemporary aesthetics.
However, Beijing Fashion Week isn’t solely reserved for established names. This year, the spotlight shines brightly on the future of fashion with the introduction of the “WEEK UP” exhibition, a platform dedicated to nurturing young Chinese designers. Here, emerging talents like Zhang Yichao and avant-garde labels converge, infusing the industry with fresh perspectives and boundless energy, while also forging new business connections and tapping into a wealth of resources.
AW2024 Beijing Fashion Week promises to be a testament to innovation, creativity, and the harmonious interplay between tradition and modernity. From the heart of Beijing, this event is poised to shape the future of fashion, resonating both within China and across the global fashion landscape.