[Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

The ancient capital Datong in Shanxi province witnessed a remarkable fusion of history and haute couture as the Yungang Fashion Festival kicked off in front of the iconic Cave 20 of the Yungang Grottoes on Sept 29. The event transformed the historic site into a dynamic runway, presenting a visual spectacle that bridged past and present.

The event hosted several distinguished guests, including diplomats from South Korea, Hungary, and the UK, representatives from international organizations such as the International Committee of the Red Cross, as well as figures from fashion, entertainment, education, sports, media, and cultural sectors. Together, they celebrated a pioneering crossover of culture and contemporary style.

The fashion show unfolded in three chapters: "Chaos", "Collision", and "Future". Timeless motifs from the Yungang Grottoes, such as scrolling clouds, dragon patterns, and lotus flowers, were reimagined through abstraction and rendered using techniques like embroidery, dyeing, and 3D printing. Innovative smart fabrics responded to body temperature, mimicking the weathered texture of the grotto walls and bringing the concept of "wearable history" to life. Against a digitally enhanced backdrop, models moved like walking digital caves, vividly illustrating the idea of giving a voice to cultural relics.

The highlight of the festival was the restaging of ZIFEI WANG's Spring/Summer 2026 collection. Previously launched at China International Fashion Week, the collection has garnered significant industry attention. Designer Wang Zifei, a native of Datong, drew deeply from the artistic essence of the Yungang Grottoes and the nomadic spirit of the Northern Wei Dynasty (386-534). Her 100-piece collection intertwined fluid cloud patterns and flame motifs with embroidery, capturing the dynasty’s untamed elegance. Transparent glass elements contrasted with the rugged texture of grotto surfaces, creating a powerful dialogue between ancient and modern aesthetics and showcasing the enduring vitality of traditional Chinese art in contemporary design.

This innovative "runway-as-heritage-site" model offers a compelling example of how fashion and cultural heritage can merge to enhance a city's profile. It strengthens Datong's identity as a "cultural and fashionable capital", revitalizes ancient legacy, and attracts global visitors to explore the roots of Yungang culture, further boosting the city's cultural and tourism development.