DALIAN, September 17-- Dalian International Fashion Festival, which started on Saturday and runs through to September 24, has drawn attention from home and abroad, according to today's China Daily.

Thousands of foreign visitors flock to the event to enjoy the festive atmosphere of the fashion gala with the local people.

Originating in 1988 with a garment fair, the festival is now considered the most important and influential fashion culture exchange in China.

So far this week, European and American models have taken to the catwalk to display costume masterpieces designed by Jean Louis Scherrer's chief designer Stephane Rolland from France, Carlo Ponti from America and Hanae Mori from Japan.

Manufacturers and merchants from 22 countries and regions, including the United States, France, Italy, Sweden, Canada and Australia, search for business opportunities in the Dalian International Garment Fair and China Garment Export Fair, which are part of the festival.

"During the fair, we will make public the 2001/2002 fashion and fabric trends in Dalian and Hong Kong, providing reference for the fashion circle in China, " said Li Shuzheng, director of the organizing committee of Dalian International Garment Fair.

Though limited by exhibition space, the fair is still a favourite of the businessmen who want to expand their undertakings in China, Li said.

Maria Backlund, a designer from Sweden, moved her company's production to Dalian, hoping to extend her leather fashion throughout the country.

-- source: Xinhua News Agency

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