Three historic textile patterns are unveiled at the event. [Photo/zjol.com.cn]

An event – called the 2025 Sino-Italian Fashion and Art Appointment – took place at the China National Silk Museum in Hangzhou on Feb 20, marking the 55th anniversary of diplomatic ties between China and Italy.

It introduced three historic textile patterns as design inspirations: Red Pegasus Brocade, Lotus Pond with Twin Geese Embroidery, and Camellia Dark Patterned Silk.

The Red Pegasus Brocade, measuring 52 centimeters in length and 51 cm in width, features a red warp background with ivory weft threads forming a Pegasus motif.

The design reflects influences from Central and West Asia, appearing in Sassanian Persian stone carvings, Sogdian murals in Samarkand and Tibetan-style textiles and gold artifacts from Dulan.

During the event, young designers and fashion students from China and Italy were invited to submit creative works inspired by the traditional patterns. A panel of senior designers, fashion experts, and scholars will select winning entries from both countries.

In the summer, 30 outstanding designers from China and Italy will participate in a fashion workshop in Hangzhou, collaborating with 10 Chinese fashion companies to integrate Silk Road heritage into contemporary fashion using traditional silk craftsmanship and modern digital techniques.

The program will also feature academic dialogues – fostering deeper cross-cultural exchanges in fashion design.

Looking ahead, a Silk Road heritage fashion show is to take place in Beijing in October to showcase the revitalization of historical patterns. In 2026, a follow-up exhibition will be held in Italy.

The pattern of Red Pegasus Brocade. [Photo/zjol.com.cn]