Diplomatic fashion strikes a pose

The Diplomats' National Costume and Oriental Fashion Show was held at T-Space in Beijing on Wednesday.

Diplomats from 91 countries, including the United States, Spain and Brazil, participated in the event, showcasing beautiful garments from their countries.

Diplomats from Belarus display a talent for graceful maneuverability at a fashion show in Beijing on Thursday. Diplomats from 91 countries, including the United States, Spain and Brazil, took part in the event. [Zou Hong/China Daily]

The highlight of the event was the traditional Chinese costume show, during which diplomats were invited to present qipao-like evening dresses and formal suits featuring red patterns of peony flowers and phoenixes. The garments were designed by the celebrated Chinese fashion designers Zeng Dan, Liang Zi and Zhang Wei. The designers use seamless weaving techniques to present different ways of silk crafting.

The one-hour show, co-organized by the Beijing Chaoyang Commission of Commerce and the China International Friendship and Culture Festival Committee, aims to present well-made garments from different cultures, which helps improve friendships and promotes communication among different cultures.

The event is a major part of the 15th China International Friendship and Culture Festival and promotes cultural exchanges among diplomats from different countries.

Hong Guangxin, vice-director of the Beijing Chaoyang Commission of Commerce, also sees business opportunities in the event. "By attending cultural events and building up a cultural platform like this, we are trying to deliver a healthy image of China's enterprises and products to the rest of the world. It will benefit communication between the two," Hong says.

This is the fourth time that the fashion show has been held in Beijing. The show created a buzz when it was held for the first time in 2009 at the Mei Lanfang Theater, with more than 80 diplomats modeling their countries' costumes.