Models wearing Chinese-style outfits and Chinese folk cultural masks (Photo/bjnews.com.cn)

International models wearing Chinese-style outfits and Chinese folk cultural masks strutted their stuff on Piazza Castello, Milan, on Feb. 19, 2019, as part of Milan Fashion Week, promoting Chinese culture to the world.

According to the Beijing News, the show was a project initiated by Chinese artist Qi Ji. She partnered with young sculptors and folk artisans to accomplish the mask designs. The masks represent symbols originated from traditional Chinese folk culture, aiming to promote traditional Chinese art throughout the world and attract younger generations to learn more about Chinese culture.

The colorful outfits, which took a total of 103 days to make, were inspired by clothing that was popular in China in the 1970s and 1980s. They are designed to tell old Chinese stories in a new way, featuring the brave and industrious spirit of China.

Qi Ji gave the show an interesting name: “Boom Cha Cha”, which is an onomatopoeic phrase representing the rhythm of a type of Chinese folk dance. The show also cooperated with Italian ballerina Samira, making it a combination of Chinese traditional art and Italian fashion.

Since 2016, Qi Ji has been exploring new artistic forms to convey Chinese culture. She is trying to repurpose Chinese art with universal artistic language.