This is a composite photo: the left image, taken on February 19, 2019, shows a young girl participating in the Costume Festival in Zhiju Village, Yongren County, Chuxiong Yi Autonomous Prefecture; the right image, taken on September 26, 2024, shows a model presenting fashion at the Chuxiong Chinese Intangible Cultural Heritage Fashion Show in Paris, France.

Traditional charm meets modern fashion as this cultural treasure shines on the international stage. Recently, the Chuxiong Yi ethnic costume fashion show from Yunnan, China, was held in Paris, France, bringing this 1,700-year-old national intangible cultural heritage to a global audience once again.

A total of 35 sets of Chuxiong heritage-inspired outfits were showcased by international models, blending modern design concepts and cuts to highlight the unique intangible cultural heritage of Yi ethnic costumes. These captivating designs captured the attention of over a hundred invited guests surrounding the runway.

This year marks the 60th anniversary of China-France diplomatic relations as well as the China-France Year of Cultural Tourism. The 2024 Paris Fashion Week: Chuxiong Intangible Cultural Heritage Fashion Show is part of the series of events celebrating this milestone. The Yi ethnic costumes presented were collaboratively designed and crafted by heritage inheritors and fashion designers from art institutes, skillfully blending traditional culture with contemporary aesthetics and the unique charm of the Yi culture with global trends.

With over 1,700 years of history, Chuxiong Yi ethnic attire is proudly referred to by the Yi people as the "art of the fingertips" and "flower of the heart". Through generations of daily life and production, the Yi have developed a vibrant clothing culture renowned for its intricate patterns, vivid colors, and exquisite designs. In 2014, Yi clothing was included in the fourth batch of China’s National Intangible Cultural Heritage list by the State Council.

For generations, Yi women have embroidered images of magpies perched on branches, blooming wildflowers, dancing butterflies, along with their deep emotions and aspirations for a better life onto fabric and clothing. Today, Yi embroidery, with its unique allure, has made its mark on the world stage. From Shanghai to New York, Milan to Paris, Yi embroidery has become a shining symbol of Chinese ethnic culture.

On September 26, a model showcases fashion at the Chinese Chuxiong Intangible Cultural Heritage Fashion Show in Paris, France.

On September 26, a model showcases fashion at the Chinese Chuxiong Intangible Cultural Heritage Fashion Show in Paris, France.

On September 26, a model showcases fashion at the Chinese Chuxiong Intangible Cultural Heritage Fashion Show in Paris, France.

On September 26, a model showcases fashion at the Chinese Chuxiong Intangible Cultural Heritage Fashion Show in Paris, France.

On September 26, a model showcases fashion at the Chinese Chuxiong Intangible Cultural Heritage Fashion Show in Paris, France.

On September 26, a model showcases fashion at the Chinese Chuxiong Intangible Cultural Heritage Fashion Show in Paris, France.

On August 27, in a studio in Kunming, a model wearing Yi embroidery attire destined for the Paris exhibition poses for final look photos.

On August 27, in a studio in Kunming, Fan Jia, a faculty member from the Design School of Yunnan Arts University, showcases a Yi embroidery garment set to be displayed in Paris. Fan is one of the designers behind the featured Yi attire.

On August 27, in a studio in Kunming, Fan Jia, a faculty member from the Design School of Yunnan Arts University, showcases a Yi embroidery garment set to be displayed in Paris. Fan is one of the designers behind the featured Yi attire.

On August 27, in a studio in Kunming, a model dressed in attire for the exhibition (left) adjusts her headpiece while posing for a photo. 

On August 27, in a garment production studio in Kunming, a staff member works on creating attire for the Yunnan embroidery exhibition. 

On September 7, Lu Jieying (right), a representative inheritor of the Yi clothing, a national intangible cultural heritage project, introduces Yi embroidery to visitors in her studio in Chuxiong, Yunnan. Lu Jieying is one of the designers of the Yi ethnic costumes featured at the exhibition in Paris. 

On September 7, Lu Jieying, a provincial representative inheritor of Yi clothing, a national intangible cultural heritage project, creates embroidery in her studio in Chuxiong, Yunnan. Lu Jieying is one of the designers of the Yi ethnic costumes featured at the exhibition in Paris. 

On September 7, Lu Jieying, a provincial representative inheritor of Yi clothing, a national intangible cultural heritage project, inspects Yi embroidery in her studio in Chuxiong, Yunnan. Lu Jieying is one of the designers of the Yi ethnic costumes featured at the exhibition in Paris.

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(Editors: Amy, Rachel)