In a historic event, Pakistani and Chinese fashion designers came together for the first-ever joint fashion show at the Great Wall of China on Sunday. The showcase was held at the wall’s renowned Badaling section and was co-organized by the Pakistani embassy in Beijing and the China International Cultural Communication Centre (CICCC).
Designers from Pakistan, including Maheen Khan, Moazzam Abbasi, Ayesha Tariq, Rizwanullah, and Zain Hashmi, presented collections that blended elements of both nations’ cultures. Models walked the runway adorned in designs featuring floral and traditional ajrak motifs. The Chinese contributions featured the work of designer Liang Suyun, complemented by jewellery from Aqeel Chaudhary, a Pakistani entrepreneur based in China.
The event drew a distinguished audience of senior Chinese officials, diplomats, business leaders, and media representatives. Pakistan’s Ambassador to China, Khalil Hashmi, addressing the gathering, stated that the event honored the enduring spirit of the ancient Silk Road as a conduit for fabric, art, and friendship.
He noted that the occasion held special significance as it commemorates the 60th anniversary of the first visit by a Pakistani dignitary, President Ayub Khan, to the same Badaling section of the Great Wall. Ambassador Hashmi underscored that the showcase was strategically built on fusion and commercial potential, highlighting the natural alignment between Pakistani creative talent and the Chinese market, which would help forge stronger commercial ties between the two nations.
Long Yuxiang, Chairman of the CICCC, remarked that the fashion show transcended a mere cultural gathering, calling it a manifestation of the all-weather strategic partnership between China and Pakistan. He emphasized the shared heritage of the two countries and a mutual aspiration to enhance lives through fashion, pledging to continue working to deepen the collaboration with Pakistan’s fashion industry.
