Hanfu is a traditional Chinese garment. A generic term for loose-fitting garments, usually made of silk. Indeed, this traditional garment is inseparable from the noblest of fabrics: silk. This garment is generally worn with a headdress for men or extravagant hairstyles for women. For Paris Fashion Week, a Chinese designer revisited this traditional garment. The opportunity to present an innovative and refreshing collection. Working with Hanfu and traditional materials has provided her with an inexhaustible source of inspiration to turn them into desirable, aesthetically pleasing and essential fashion objects.

Paris, when Hanfu takes to the fashion show

In a blend of cultures, fabrics and influences, the creations on display are a reminder of the importance that China has played in the world of clothing. From cotton cultivation and spinning to the creation of fabrics and garments, China has always played a leading role in the world of textiles. And its influence on Europe is undeniable. For at least two thousand years, since the advent of the Silk Road, China has been a model and a supplier of trends, colours and materials.

Zoom on the silk road

This trade route first appeared three hundred years before our era, making it over 2,300 years old. With a record length of 8,700 kilometres between China and Europe, this route is one of the most beautiful on the planet. The Silk Road is an immense network of interdependent and interconnected routes linking the Middle Kingdom and the Mediterranean basin. This ancient trade route bears witness to the significant influence of Chinese culture on the West. And the last city to act as a catalyst for all Chinese goods before the great crossing of Central Asia was none other than Xian. A city that has had the status of capital several times.

Hanfu in Paris

Today, hanfu has become a timeless piece of clothing that offers a way out of a context where fashion has long been confined to a uniformity of taste based on relatively sober, dark colours. Grey, beige, blue or black had become the standard colours for city dwellers living in modern cities. Traditional silk garments, with their bright colours, make a statement and break with codes. And above all, they have the advantage of leaving room for more elaborate outfits. The return of Hanfu means a return to boldness and joie de vivre.

An extraordinary fashion show in Paris

Silk is a noble fabric that has always been highly sought after. In China, it has always been widely used, particularly for the design of Hanfu. The Hangfu is a traditional Chinese garment that is now generally worn by young Chinese women at major festivals and historic sites. It’s a way of honouring a thousand-year-old culture and reconnecting with traditional fashions.