Face masks for the beach known as face-kinis have become a curious fashion item in China in recent years. On Wednesday, models showed off the latest designs at a product launch on the sands of Qingdao, the eastern Chinese city where they were first popularized. /CFP Photo

Present for the fashion shoot was Zhang Shifan, the woman credited with inventing the face-kini (pictured being interviewed). /CFP Photo

In 2004, Zhang was running a small Qingdao shop selling swimwear when a woman came in asking for something to protect her face and neck. She had been stung by a jellyfish, the customer said. Zhang then designed the face-kini to cover the whole head and protect wearers from the sun and other irritants. /CFP Photo

The new face-kinis feature embroidery and designs based on classic blue-and-white porcelain. Older lines featured Peking opera and endangered animals. /CFP Photo