Fashion week in southwest China blends tradition and creativity

A vibrant fashion week is underway at Chuxiong Yi Autonomous Prefecture in southwest China's Yunnan Province, running until October 19.

Home to around 800,000 Yi people, Chuxiong is showcasing the community's stunning traditional costumes. The event also features designs from other ethnic groups across Yunnan and beyond, while costumes from neighboring South and Southeast Asian countries add an international flair.

The Yi people's tradition of costume competitions dates back more than 1,300 years. Their intricate costume-making craft is recognized as an intangible cultural heritage item of China.

In recent years, innovative designs have been introduced to promote Yi embroidery, helping rural artisans boost their income while preserving a centuries-old tradition.