The world famous fashion magazine Marie Claire Chinese version has invited 28 first-class fashion designers to produce works, with the theme of "hope", saying that fashion will bring confidence to people in this economic recession.[ China Daily]

The world famous fashion magazine Marie Claire Chinese version has invited 28 first-class fashion designers to produce works, with the theme of "hope", saying that fashion will bring confidence to people in this economic recession.

About 31 works arrived in Beijing for the exhibition at the end of last month, including Bally, Gucci, Vera Wang, and Alessandro Dell'Acqua.

"The project started last year. We asked several top fashion designers to create something for China on the theme of the Olympics," says Deng Li, associate publisher and editorial director of Marie Clair.

This is the second annual edition of Style China. Gucci has delivered a pink heart-shaped diamond ring fixed in the center of four round golden clasps. The object has no straight lines or right angles. Deng says the Gucci team sent a note along with the heart-shaped ring, reading: "Never stop dreaming."

Many foreign designers, it appears, have a floral impression of China. Bally sent a fur bag with purple petals; Marni offered a colorful flower necklace. Though Vera Wang's wedding dress is black and white, she sent a bracelet decorated with green leaves and dark purple glass-flowers.

"Most foreigners think of China as something like colorful flowers, red lanterns, and calligraphy. They still have a traditional Chinese impression," says Deng.

All the works will be part of the Marie Claire collection. Deng adds they are contacting major museums around China to put on an exhibition of the items.

(China Daily August 8, 2009)