Li Wei enchants Paris Fashion Week

Models take part in the "Yu Shu" collection show during Paris Fashion Week in the garden of the Alfred Sommier Hotel in Paris, Sept. 24, 2024. [Photo courtesy of AADTHU]

Paris Fashion Week was graced by the captivating presence of renowned designer Li Wei, who unveiled her Spring/Summer 2025 collection "Yu Shu" on Sept. 24. The show, an official event of Paris Fashion Week, was a celebration of heritage and elegance.

A professor at AADTHU, Li Wei demonstrated her prowess as a scholar, artist and designer. Her collaboration with Duan Zhiqiang, executive director of Beijing Fashion Week, resulted in a collection that seamlessly intertwined traditional Chinese aesthetics with contemporary design principles. "Yu Shu" drew inspiration from the Yushu culture in China's Qinghai province and from Li's over 40 years of experience in fashion, showcasing a modern "Eastern visual aesthetic" characterized by intricate craftsmanship and innovative techniques.

The collection, consisting of 30 garments, mirrors the cultural richness of the Sanjiangyuan region, an area of the Tibetan Plateau in Qinghai and the source of China's three major rivers, the core of which is located in Yushu Tibetan autonomous prefecture. Li incorporated distinctive motifs from Yushu rock paintings and innovative materials such as local yak wool, merging traditional handicrafts like plant dyeing, Su embroidery and brocade with modern design sensibilities. "This collection is my interpretation of the Sanjiangyuan culture and intangible heritage," Li stated. "It embodies the essence of Chinese tradition while speaking the language of contemporary fashion."

Held in the enchanting garden of the Alfred Sommier Hotel, the show garnered international acclaim. Models from around the globe showcased Li's designs, emphasizing the collection's role as a cultural bridge between East and West. The "Yu Shu" collection embodied beauty, resilience and artistic expression, further establishing Li's status as a trailblazer in the fashion industry.

Designer Li Wei (center) poses with her models after her "Yu Shu" collection show during Paris Fashion Week in the garden of the Alfred Sommier Hotel in Paris, Sept. 24, 2024. [Photo courtesy of AADTHU]

Li's participation in Paris Fashion Week not only marked a milestone in her career, but also served as a powerful statement for Chinese textile heritage on the global stage. "This is not just a fashion show; it is a celebration of life and culture," she remarked. "The Sanjiangyuan region symbolizes the source of civilization and vitality."

As the fashion show drew to a close, attendees departed with a renewed appreciation for the intersection of traditional craftsmanship and modern fashion, which embodied Li Wei’s vision of vibrant cultural exchange between China and the world.