One of Beijing's premier galas, 'Beijing Fashion Night,' marked the opening of China Instyle Expo on Wednesday night. It's staged by models of the New Silk Road Fashion Organization. This year, the gala's theme was "The Time Travel of Clothes".

It was a fashion journey down memory lane.

 

Fashion gala focuses on Chinese aesthetics

Looks inspired by the beginning of the Silk Road around the Han dynasty all the way through China's last royal reign were on display.

The ground-breaking fashion show brought together the latest collections from China's three top brands, and displayed how different designers are fusing traditional Chinese aesthetics into haute couture. Silk, organza and exquisite embroidery dominated the runway.

"The runway show has three parts. Designer Gary Wat designed the clothes for the first part. He is a master of using traditional Chinese fabric and stitching techniques. You should pay special attention to the hand-made dyes on his dresses. The second part is from the brand "Oricell". The highlight of Oricell's collection, is that the dress fabrics are made with the most advanced textile technology. The last part is from the brand "NE Tiger," whose designs always represent the consummate interpretation of Chinese culture," said director Dong Zhenglu.

Between fashion shows, there were also performances of ethnic folk songs and modern dance. It's meant to show the diversity and evolution of Chinese lifestyles.

This year, "Beijing Fashion Night" kicked off the 2016 Beijing Instyle Expo, organized by the Hengtian Group.

With several parallel events including exhibitions, runway shows and a design competition, the expo inspires people to focus on culture and spirit, instead of just the material aspects of things.

"On the one hand, we'd like to provide a platform for the latest fashion ideas and styles, especially with our clothes and accessories. On the other hand, we want to convey a new idea of fashion. It is more than something that make you beautiful and unique. The most important function of fashion, in my understanding, is that it prompts people to learn about the culture behind it, and to pursue a more spiritual life," said Zhang Jie, chief executive of China Hengtian Group.

The 2016 Beijing Instyle Expo closes on November 6th.