Pakistan China Fashion Show Forges New Cultural Bonds on the Great Wall
In a historic celebration of bilateral ties, the Embassy of Pakistan in China hosted a landmark Pakistan China fashion show at the Great Wall in Beijing. The event, titled “Silk Road Elegance: Two Nations, One Runway,” was held on October 19 to commemorate the 60th anniversary of the first visit by a Pakistani dignitary to the Badaling section of the Great Wall. Pakistani Ambassador to China, Khalil Hashmi, described the occasion as a springboard to write a new chapter in cultural diplomacy between the two nations.
In an exclusive interview with the Global Times, Ambassador Hashmi emphasized the profound significance of the location and the event. He stated that the majestic Badaling section provided a fitting venue to celebrate the living spirit of the Silk Road, which now manifests as a modern bridge of fabric, art, and friendship. The ambassador noted that the Pakistan China fashion show was not merely a symbolic gesture but a dynamic platform to demonstrate the natural synergy between Pakistani creativity and the Chinese market, thereby building new commercial bridges for a shared future.
A Fusion of Fabric and Shared History
The Pakistan China fashion show featured collections from Pakistani designers who created pieces specifically as a fusion of Pakistani and Chinese aesthetics. The event also showcased a jewelry collection by a China-based Pakistani designer and featured works by renowned Chinese designers. In his speech, Ambassador Hashmi drew a powerful parallel to the ancient Silk Road, stating, “The original Silk Road was not just a path for silk and spices, but also for ideas, art, and innovation. We reignite that exchange.”
He further elaborated on the historical continuity, noting that 2025 marks the 60th anniversary of the first Pakistani presidential visit to the Great Wall. “Today, we continue that legacy. We come not just as visitors, but as partners, bringing a piece of Pakistan’s soul to stand in harmony with China’s enduring spirit,” the ambassador told the audience. He described the show as a testament to Pakistani design as a dynamic force that reinterprets heritage for the global stage.
Deepening People-to-People Bonds Through Fashion
The day following the event, Ambassador Hashmi hosted a thank-you session for the designers at his residence. He explained to the Global Times that the core value of such exchanges is empathy—toward each other and toward the arts and artists who bring creativity to life. He expressed his ambition to use fashion as a catalyst for deeper people-to-people connections, revealing plans to encourage Chinese designers to showcase their work in Pakistan, with the embassy acting as a facilitator and bridge.
The participating designers shared their enthusiasm for the cross-cultural collaboration. Pakistani designer Moazzam Abbasi highlighted the importance of keeping tradition alive while creating practical and environmentally friendly fashion. Adnan Ansari, the show’s curator, described the event as a “feather in his cap,” calling it a celebration of “fashion, passion, and fantasy.” Designer Syed Mohanmad Rizwaullah, who called the experience “phenomenal,” was so inspired that he has already begun sketching a new collection, “Story of a Thousand Cranes,” incorporating his fascination with Chinese elements like the Qipao. “Fashion is a universal language,” Rizwaullah said, “and a beautiful way to connect.”
