Kids showcase creativity on the catwalk

The recently concluded 2025 Puyuan Fashion Week featured the typical straight-faced, statuesque models strutting down runways in haute couture to loud, pulsating beats, while immaculately styled celebrities, trendsetters and designers observed from the sidelines.

Held annually at the Puyuan Fashion Resort in Tongxiang in East China's Zhejiang province, the event transforms ordinary corridors, alleyways and squares into edgy catwalks for renowned fashion brands.

However, in stark contrast to the mainstream spectacle, a group of local primary school students staged a show. For over a month, they designed and reimagined traditional Chinese garments like hanfu and qipao, then took to the runway to model their designs.

This showcase skipped flashy stage designs and instead had handmade decorative installations of knitted yarn and tulle, co-crafted by parents and children in the audience.

Streams of bubbles flew from bubble machines, injecting playful whimsy into the fashion week's youthful chic.

The group of students from Maodun Experimental Primary School in Tongxiang participated in this fashion design program under the guidance of Beijing-based fashion designer Wang Qian.

Over the past month, students were encouraged to unleash their creativity on basic traditional garments, gradually bringing their imagined designs to life during art and craft classes. Most of the participants were third- to fifth-graders.

The children made bold attempts, such as reinventing traditional qipao fabrics by incorporating wool knitwear elements or decorating hanfu dresses with rainbow-colored plush toys and cotton-made clouds.

"This program broke the conventional 'adult-dominated' framework of traditional fashion shows by giving full creative control to children," Wang explains. "This child-centered approach not only sparked their interest in clothing design but also cultivated their creativity, hands-on skills, and awareness in aesthetics through practical experience.

"Their concentration and enthusiasm throughout the program exceeded my expectations," she adds.

"Some kids played around with different yarns and sheer fabrics until they got that perfect 'flowing like clouds' Chinese style, while others made cool eco clothing from recycled stuff."

Chu Yumeng, a 10-year-old participant, showcased a white and pale blue ensemble featuring intricate dragon designs, with seashell-crafted scales adorning the fabric and paired with matching scale-shaped hair accessories.

The look drew inspiration from Ao Run, her favorite character in the blockbuster Chinese animated film Ne Zha 2.

"It took weeks to bring the costume to life, exactly how I imagined," says Yumeng, her eyes lighting up.

"Seeing it finally come together for this showcase was my happiest moment."

Ke Libin, Yumeng's mother and clothing boutique owner in Tongxiang, expressed joy at seeing her daughter showcase self-designed, handcrafted garments at Puyuan Fashion Week.

"This runway experience really boosted her confidence," Ke observes.

"I've noticed her becoming more outgoing and comfortable expressing herself in public."

The program reflects Puyuan's initiative to spark children's interest in fashion and nurture future design talent.

This year, the fashion week also launched a program to scout young designers worldwide to provide them with an incubation platform for their creativity. It also hosted a model competition to cultivate supermodels with both market potential and artistic expression for the fashion industry.

Puyuan, one of China's largest woolen knitwear production and distribution hubs, has driven industrial upgrades and global fashion integration in recent years, with its annual fashion week emerging as a cornerstone of this transformation.

The ancient Jiangnan (south of the lower reaches of the Yangtze River) water town now blends traditional charm with contemporary flair. Walking along its flagstone streets, visitors encounter boutiques, textile exhibits, and artisan workshops with carnival performances, live music events and fashion trade shows.

The week long event attracts designers, industry leaders and travelers alike, transforming Puyuan into a dynamic open-air showcase of fashion innovation.