The gown, which weighs about 25 kilograms, combines traditional Chinese craftsmanship and the classic A-line silhouette of haute couture. Some 50,000 hours of embroidery work went into creating it.

Guo said, "People used to say there is no such thing as high-end couture－the epitome of aesthetics and skills－in China. But now that view is changing."

In 2016, the Beijing-born designer was the first Chinese national to have her work shown at Paris Couture Week.

"Fashion reflects the tastes of the age and the feelings of the people. Now, Chinese people's tastes are demonstrating a kind of national spirit, so through my designs I try to reflect the place in which the people find themselves. I try to interpret national sentiment," Guo said.

On Nov 1, she staged her first fashion show in the United Kingdom, at the Victoria and Albert Museum in London, as part of celebrations marking the 20th anniversary of the institution's Fashion in Motion series.

This free event featured a catwalk show by leading international designers, which over the years have included Alexander McQueen, Vivienne Westwood, Jean Paul Gaultier and Yohji Yamamoto.

Oriole Cullen, the museum's fashion curator, said: "Guo Pei's work demonstrates the height of what can be achieved in the skilled ateliers of a haute couture house. We are delighted to be working with Guo to showcase a selection of garments from her uniquely beautiful Alternate Universe collection."

Bo Leung in London contributed to this story.