On October 17, the 2024 Eastern YiXiang Fashion Gala (China), themed National Charm and Huaguang, kicked off in Luohu, Shenzhen. This year's gala continues to deepen its commitment to the concept of product power driving brand power, focusing on extracting symbolic elements from the rich cultural heritage and exploring the collision and integration of East and West, ancient and modern.
At the gala, Zhan Hui, Deputy District Mayor of Luohu District People's Government, delivered a speech, stating: In 2023, the inaugural Eastern YiXiang Fashion Gala was successfully held in Luohu, garnering significant attention in the international fashion jewelry design industry. This year, we are delighted to see that the gala has reached a higher level, with broader industry influence and greater exemplary impact. Luohu will continue to uphold the philosophy of open cooperation and win-win development, looking forward to collaborating with outstanding experts and industry leaders from around the world to bring excellent Chinese jewelry culture to the global stage and showcase our brand strength.
Regarding the gala's international influence, Monica Cecchini, founder and chair of Rome Jewelry Week and director of its art museum, said: The Eastern YiXiang Fashion Gala is an excellent platform for the exchange and fusion of Roman jewelry culture with Eastern jewelry culture. Roman designers draw inspiration from Eastern jade culture, while Eastern designers learn from Roman metal engraving techniques. This cross-cultural exchange promotes the development of global jewelry culture.
It is reported that this year's gala has introduced innovations in the National Charm and Huaguang awards, recognizing Chinese jewelry brands for their in-depth exploration of contemporary expressions of traditional culture through multiple dimensions and perspectives. The awards include the Tiangong Ingenuity Award, National Style New Charm Award, Fenghua Trend Award, Guoyun Treasure Award, and Craftsmanship Excellence Award. Ultimately, Xindean Jewelry, Yichuanjin Jewelry, Wanfu Jewelry, and Fenglixi Jewelry won the Tiangong Ingenuity Award. Eleven jewelry companies, including Chow Tai Sang, Fenghui Jewelry, and Jinhong Jewelry, received the National Style New Charm Award. Seven companies, including Spelier Jewelry, Biluojewelry, and Kimberly Diamond, claimed the Fenghua Trend Award. Six companies, including Qilin Ruixiang, Dongfang Ruilu, Hongxiu Jewelry, and Youyou Jewelry, were awarded the Guoyun Treasure Award. Mengjin Yuan, Zhouliufu, and Foshan Zhiwei were honored with the Craftsmanship Excellence Award.
The inaugural East Meets West Jewelry Design Invitational Competition, featuring Chinese elements, invited renowned design schools and independent designers worldwide to participate. Through this cross-border competition, design ideas from different regions and cultural backgrounds were able to inspire and learn from one another. Under the strict evaluation of global experts, Xu Jiaming from China University of Geosciences (Beijing) won first prize with her necklace piece, Whispers of Wisteria.
Notably, the grand finale fashion show featured a cyberpunk-style visual backdrop of gold foil dragons, phoenixes, and lilies, blending classical charm with futuristic technological inspiration. As models showcased the designs, jewelry and exquisite garments complemented each other, highlighting the craftsmanship and creativity of the participating companies. The National Trend Kids segment was particularly lively, with children from both Eastern and Western cultures sharing the stage, creating a vibrant dialogue between cultures and a lively inheritance of Chinese aesthetics.
Additionally, the 2024 Shuibei (Autumn) China Jewelry Industry Development Pragmatic Forum was held in Shenzhen. As a key component of the 2024 Eastern YiXiang Fashion Gala (China), the forum invited global jewelry masters to discuss new ideas, trends, and designs in the industry, gathering wisdom to illuminate the path forward.
As the 2024 Eastern YiXiang Fashion Gala (China) draws to a close, the journey toward the great revival of Chinese fashion continues. Culture endures through inheritance, and civilization thrives through continuity. It is sincerely hoped that this grand event, which promotes the global reach of Chinese trends and the fusion of East and West, will ultimately steer the great ship of Chinese jewelry toward a victorious future, "sailing confidently across the vast seas."