With 41 shows taking place at the Shanghai’s annual Fashion Week, the event is a hotbed of trends for next year’s spring and summer looks. It's also a collective showcase for talented Chinese-born designers.

Inspired by the classic Chinese opera "The Peony Pavilion", this collection brings viewers into a dream like world. Black flowing skirts are coupled with gold corset tops and waist-length cardigans, the whole collection highlights high quality materials and elegant cuts.

These colors and patterns are inspired by opera costumes, an influence clearly seen in the long skirts and long sleeves. The line’s young designer is Ji Cheng, a Shanghai native who studied at Italy’s prestigious Marangoni Institute and established her own brand La Vie in 2002. She pursues a style mixing Chinese elements with western cuts, and her brand is favored by women seeking individuality and modern chic.

“The texture on the fabric imitates a window seen in ancient Chinese gardens. Because the story "The Peony Pavilion" took place in the garden, and the window is the soul of the architecture of ancient gardens, I used this element for the collection.” said Ji Cheng, Designer.

It’s an example of how to capture the essence of Chinese culture in an original design, which allows the world to see the unique beauty of China.

Aiming to promote domestic brands and designers, 70 percent of the exhibitors and trading companies at this year’s Shanghai Fashion Week are from China. Overseas brands are also here to test the waters of the Chinese fashion market.

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