Chinese cultural centre treats Sydney weekenders to silk fashion, traditional music

Crowds at central Sydney's popular Pitt Street Mall were treated to a kaleidoscope of colors and sounds Saturday afternoon, with models strutting the latest silk fashion and musicians performing with traditional Chinese instruments on an outdoor stage.

The Chinese Silk Fashion Show: Tradition Meets Trend event, jointly presented by the China Cultural Centre in Sydney and the Department of Culture of east China's Zhejiang province for the first time, drew throngs of shoppers and visitors on the windy Saturday afternoon with eight sets of catwalks and musical performances, as well as opportunities to take photos wearing traditional Chinese costumes.

"This is a great platform to present modern and traditional aspects of the Chinese culture. The silk fashion showcases Chinese elements such as ink and porcelain motifs that also help reflect the development of contemporary Chinese society. All displayed free for the public on one of Sydney's most trendy and bustling areas," said Zhao Li, head of the cultural centre. The non-profit group aims to promote understanding and appreciation of the Chinese culture and arts through educational and cultural activities.

Zhejiang is famous for its rich cultural heritage and the province has been an important silk-producing area since ancient times.

Sydney resident Paul Duncan, who was at the mall with his family of three, said he also enjoyed the musical performances, including songs performed with the traditional Chinese erhu or fiddle and guzheng or zither.

"It's a wonderful way to spend the weekend and know more about China at the same time," he said. Endit