China's passion for fashion is on full display at Paris Fashion Week. Chinese stars are taking front row seats at the runway shows of France's most famous fashion houses. And not surprisingly Chinese designers are also a growing force in the world's fashion capital. The Chinois presence in Paris is a sign that the haute-culture industry is increasingly turning its gaze on China's booming economy.
When fashion week comes to Paris, so do the stars. The big shows attract the usual mix of celebrities from the world of music, film and fashion. But this year there are some new faces in the crowd.
Chinese stars who are almost totally unknown in Europe are getting the VIP treatment from France's most prestigious fashion houses.
Kate Parkinson said, "It's really no great surprise that the French fashion houses are keen to have China's most famous faces at their shows. China is home to more billionaires than anywhere except the United States and is a booming market for luxury brands, and the French designers are keen to secure their place in the lucrative Chinese market."
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| Chinese actress Zhou Xun for Chanel |
Chanel is one of France's most famous fashion houses, and is already much sought after in China.
But in China's increasingly competitive luxury market, Chanel knows it's great advertising from them in China to have Chinese stars photographed at their show.
Su Mang, editor of Harpers Bizarre, China, said, "China is becoming the most important market for the fashion industry. All the luxury brands have number one business in China and the increase in the business is always get number one in the world. So they are focusing more and more in the China market."
China's love affair with fashion runs two ways, and during fashion week the country is eager to boost its visibility in the design world.
The "China in Paris" showroom gives young Chinese designers the chance to introduce their work to the world's fashion capital.
Liu Fang, designer, said, "Paris, for me, is the international fashion stage and the place where I really want to present my clothes."
China in Paris has beeb held on the sidelines of Paris Fashion Week since 2010 and aims to build bridges between China and France.
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| China loves fashion, and with the country's luxury market forecast to soar to 27 billion dollars by 2015, the French fashion houses certainly love China. |
Christine Zhou, organizer of "China in Paris", said, "Paris represents a particular universe especially in terms of creative. It's very well protected, and very encouraging. We can find all kind of creativity here, regardless of nationality. And China represents the desire, the market of course, and a new generation for the world. And so there can only be. partnership between Paris and China because they complete each other."
China loves fashion, and with the country's luxury market forecast to soar to 27 billion dollars by 2015, the French fashion houses certainly love China.