The 90-minute opening ceremony included a show of traditional garments from different periods in Chinese history, interspersed with various performances. But that was only a prelude for the next 20 days, which will feature 42 fashion shows by domestic and international designers and brands, far more than the festival's previous record, according to organizers.

The shows will feature the latest collections from Vivienne Westwood, Givenchy, Vivienne Tam, Salvatore Ferragamo, Lanvin and Emanuel Ungaro, among others.

Organizers will take a pass on hotels this year, instead showing off their new collections at venues such as Super Brand Mall and Riverside Boulevard in Pudong and Dong Hua University, which is well-known for its fashion and modeling programs.

Japanese designer Yumi Katsura will have models parading her wedding-dress collection in Moller Villa, a fairytale castle built by British businessman Eric Moller in 1936.

While getting more heavyweight players to stage shows, the festival has also helped Shanghai reinforce its status as a fashion center.

In 1992, 91 million goods were turned out by fewer than 1,000 apparel manufacturers in the city. By 2001, the number had increased to a whopping 800 million pieces produced by 2,500 manufacturers. With China's entry into World Trade Organization, an increasing number of major international designers and clothing retailers are entering the local market.

(eastday.com March 19, 2003)