If Paris fashion week is classic, New York, commercial, Milan, slick and London, daring, then for Beijing, the key word is practical.

Compared with the world’s top four fashion weeks, the fashion jamboree in Beijing is still young and growing. But the organizers say they are not in a rush to catch up. You can tell from the schedule, every event on it is designed and rooted from the reality of China’s textile and garment industry.”

China has the world’s largest apparel industry. One out of the four garments is made in China. But behind the huge numbers is very low profit and intense labor, all while taking a high toll on the environment. One barbie doll made in China could be sold for about 10 dollars in the US, but the Chinese makers earn less then 4 cents.

After 30 years of reform and opening up, China is now experiencing a transformation, from sewing to designing. China Fashion Week is strongly backing the homegrown talents who need a helping hand, and is pushing to upgrade the conventional impression of "Made in China".

Su Baoyan, vice president of China Designers’ Association, said, "Most of my friends who travel abroad would quit if they find the clothes they selected are tagged ’Made in China’. It’s hard to change people’s mind to connect high quality or design with ’Made In China’, though we have owned the best skills to make ready-to-wear or haute couture. On one hand, we need strength to punish the poor quality and counterfeit clothing in China, on the other hand, qualified brands and talented designers need more encouragement and promotion."

From its humble beginnings 15 years ago, China Fashion Week has never blurred its focus on supporting and leading the country’s apparel industry, enabling it to move forward, better and healthier. As for the designers, fresh or veteran, the fair opens a tolerant stage for an eclectic mix of trends and styles.

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