A Chinese fashion show attracts many local audiences at Eldoret in western Kenya, which is a platform to showcase Chinese culture, to strengthen mutual understanding and to foster cordial ties between the people of both countries.
Eldoret, Kenya, Nov. 21 (Xinhua) -- China's Shanghai-style fashion designers and abstract artists have staged a spectacular performance at Eldoret in western Kenya which lifted the mood of the local audience.
The performance was based on the works of three Chinese abstract artists, Hu Weida, Li Lei and Lin Yifeng that combined traditional Chinese costumes to showcase the new look of contemporary Chinese art and fashion.
The event was organized jointly by Moi University's Confucius Institute and China's Donghua University on Tuesday. Wang Xuezheng, counselor of the Chinese embassy in Kenya and Daniel Chemno, deputy governor of the northwestern Kenyan county of Uasin Gishu were among dignitaries who attended the event.
Feng Li from Donghua University, who is also the designer of the fashion show, said the art of painting and the art of clothing were perfectly integrated in the interaction between the artists and the designers, showing a new fashion design effect and aesthetic taste.
Kenyan models display the fashion clothes of contemporary Chinese art designed by Chinese abstract artists on the stage, in Eldoret, Kenya, on Nov. 19, 2019. (Xinhua/Yang Zhen)
According to Feng, this event shows the new achievements of the interdisciplinary integration of contemporary Chinese artists and fashion designers. "The costumes and art derivatives on display are not only a new carrier for the blending of Eastern and Western culture and art but also a new attempt for designers to let art enter life and make life more artistic." she said.
Chemno said that the cultural event will help to foster the already cordial ties between the peoples of Kenya and China.
"We appreciate the fashion exhibition because it makes us understand more about the Chinese culture and it is an eye-opener," said Chemno.
He observed that culture is a good platform to bring different people to learn from each other.
Chemno said that Kenyan youth are now taking advantage of the Confucius institutes that have opened across the country to learn the Chinese language.
Kenyan models display the fashion clothes of contemporary Chinese art designed by Chinese abstract artists on the stage, in Eldoret, Kenya, on Nov. 19, 2019. (Xinhua/Yang Zhen)
"We welcome the Chinese into Kenya and we look forward to a deeper bilateral bond in all spheres of our lives," Chemno said.
Wang Xuezheng said that he was very excited to be part of the cultural performance.
"The event is a good window to showcase the Chinese culture to the local community and an indication of the good ties between the peoples of Kenya and China," Wang said.
He said that many Kenyan youth are learning Chinese amid robust trade, economic and cultural ties with the Asian country.
"I believe in the future that these young people will be the friendship ambassadors between Kenya and China," said Wang.
Zhao Mingwei, director of international cooperation office at Donghua University said that the fashion show was the first one to be staged in Kenya though the institution has organized numerous cultural performances across the globe.
Kenyan models display the fashion clothes of contemporary Chinese art designed by Chinese abstract artists on the stage, in Eldoret, Kenya, on Nov. 19, 2019. (Xinhua/Yang Zhen)
"I'm very happy about the fashion show and I did not expect such a great stage reception. The response from the audience makes me feel good because they seemed as excited just as I am," Zhao said.
She said that the Chinese fashion performance embedded elements of Chinese calligraphy and painting, both traditional and modern.
"We want to stage the performance again in the future because we want to show the world what we are doing in modern China," said Zhao.
"Although we have a long tradition of fashion design, we want to show the world more about China's rich culture," she added.