Bilateral Ties: China, Nigeria Collaborate on Fashion Show

The best of both Nigerian and Chinese fashion were exhibited at a fashion show co-organized by the Chinese Embassy, the China Cultural Center, and the China Chamber of Commerce in Nigeria as both Nigeria and China continue to cement bilateral ties.

Featured at the 2024 China-Nigeria Fashion Show held in Abuja were three chapters: Flower Rain along the Silk Road, Harmony Across Sea and Sky, and Walking Together on the Great Road.

The fashion show vividly displayed the splendid attire of China and Nigeria, embodying a spirit of win-win cooperation.

The event was which was held at the weekend was hailed as a success by attendees as it offered a unique opportunity to witness the deepening relationship between China and Nigeria through the universal language of fashion.

The show was more than just a showcase of clothing, it was also a celebration of the rich cultural heritage shared by both countries. Traditional and contemporary designs from both China and Nigeria were fused together on the runway, highlighting the creativity and craftsmanship of designers from both nations.

The audience, which included diplomats, fashion enthusiasts, and members of the general public, warmly received the diverse and colorful outfits, signaling a growing appreciation for each other’s cultural expressions.

Speaking with journalists on the sidelines of the event, the cultural counselor of the Chinese Embassy and Director of China Cultural Centre in Nigeria, Mr. Li Xuda, said China and Nigeria are two great nations with rich histories and cultures that can benefit from each other.

He  noted that the significance of such initiatives is to strengthen cultural ties, adding that: “Through events like this fashion show, we promote mutual understanding and bring our people closer together.”

Li also said: “The message was clear: China and Nigeria are working hand in hand, using the beauty of their cultures to build a future of shared respect and friendship.

“This fashion show was more than just an event; it was a symbol of the vibrant, growing bond between two nations.”

On his part, the President of the Society of Nigeria Artists, Muhammad Suleiman, commenting on the fashion show, said: “I think this is a significant improvement on what has happened in the past because this is a unifying event where you find Nigeria and China at their best.

“The show has seen much improvement compared to last year, and this year’s activities are more diverse and engaging. What is very important in this year’s event is that everyone came with forms of identification, which was wonderful.

“What they present today was more about cultural relations between Nigeria and China. The costumes were beautiful, and the Nigerian representation was amazing. I enjoyed myself

“This fashion show was like bringing two countries together today. It was a combination, not just Nigeria standing on its own or China on the other side.

“There was a fusion of cultural exchange, with Nigerians wearing Chinese fabrics and Chinese wearing Nigerian fabrics. Whatever way you look at it today, it was an exchange that happened very well from their customs to everything.”

He said he expects the show to continue to improve yearly but however advised Nigeria to improve quality of fabrics, stressing that if the nation is going to make great entry into the world’s fashion industry then the quality of fabric should be topnotch.

Michael Olugbode

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