Traditional Chinese Miao embroidery showcased in New York

$Miao embroidery, originating from the remote mountains of Southwest China, is on display to showcase beauty of traditional Chinese culture during New York Fashion Week. (Photo provided to China Daily) A unique form of haute couture, originating from the remote mountains of Southwest China, has recently been brought into the limelight in the international metropolis of New York. The 2016 China Miao Embroidery Charity Exhibition was opened to the public at Venue 57 on September 15 and will run until September 21 during the New York Fashion Week, showcasing the beauty of traditional Chinese culture. The exhibition features two thematic sections: \$

Miao embroidery, originating from the remote mountains of Southwest China, is on display to showcase beauty of traditional Chinese culture during New York Fashion Week. (Photo provided to China Daily)

A unique form of haute couture, originating from the remote mountains of Southwest China, has recently been brought into the limelight in the international metropolis of New York. The 2016 China Miao Embroidery Charity Exhibition was opened to the public at Venue 57 on September 15 and will run until September 21 during the New York Fashion Week, showcasing the beauty of traditional Chinese culture. The exhibition features two thematic sections: "Classic Creativity" and "New Life".

$Miao embroidery, originating from the remote mountains of Southwest China, is on display to showcase beauty of traditional Chinese culture during New York Fashion Week. (Photo provided to China Daily) The works exhibited include many examples of classical Miao formal costumes, accessories and jewelry, as well as ground-breaking new pieces created by international designers who combined the traditional handicrafts with contemporary design. The week-long show is jointly organized by the China Soong Ching Ling Foundation (SCLF), the People\'s Government of Kaili city in Guizhou province, and the leading international fashion magazine Marie Claire. \$

The works exhibited include many examples of classical Miao formal costumes, accessories and jewelry, as well as ground-breaking new pieces created by international designers who combined the traditional handicrafts with contemporary design. The week-long show is jointly organized by the China Soong Ching Ling Foundation (SCLF), the People's Government of Kaili city in Guizhou province, and the leading international fashion magazine Marie Claire. "2016 Chinese Miao Embroidery Charity Exhibition is one of the most important activities to deepen cultural exchange between China and the United States," said Jing Dunquan, Vice-Chairman of the SCLF, while addressing a grand opening ceremony attended by hundreds of guests, celebrities and senior cultural officials from China and the United States.

"We believe that through this exhibition, the American people will learn more about the ancient Chinese history and splendid Chinese culture, understand the rich and beautiful Chinese dream." The Miao embroidery, part of China's Miao people's folk heritage, is one of the finest examples of embroidery art. It was included in China's first official list of state-level intangible cultural heritage items. Yet for various reasons, the ancient techniques, which were traditionally passed down from mother to daughter, have been in danger of dying out.

$Miao embroidery, originating from the remote mountains of Southwest China, is on display to showcase beauty of traditional Chinese culture during New York Fashion Week. (Photo provided to China Daily) In 2011, the SCLF and Marie Claire jointly established the SCLF Marie Claire Women\'s Happiness Fund to preserve the intangible cultural heritage and help women in ethnic minority regions improve their living standards and social status. \$

In 2011, the SCLF and Marie Claire jointly established the SCLF Marie Claire Women's Happiness Fund to preserve the intangible cultural heritage and help women in ethnic minority regions improve their living standards and social status. "In the past 30 years, many exquisite Miao embroidery techniques have rapidly been lost. Many older people in their 60s or 70s are now the last remaining practitioners of a particular style of embroidery," said Deng Li, chief content officer of Marie Claire China, and the program's initiator.

"Our aim is, on the one hand, to protect and revive traditional Miao embroidery, and, at the same time, to encourage the fashion industry to inject modern design into this ancient art form."

$Miao embroidery, originating from the remote mountains of Southwest China, is on display to showcase beauty of traditional Chinese culture during New York Fashion Week. (Photo provided to China Daily) Over the past five years, the program has benefited more than 600 families in the Miao minority villages, with local villagers\' incomes increasing between 3,000 - 5,000 yuan (around $450 - 750), annually. The 2016 China Miao Embroidery Charity Exhibition is one of the most important events in the program\'s calendar, and was first exhibited in Paris and France in 2014.$

Over the past five years, the program has benefited more than 600 families in the Miao minority villages, with local villagers' incomes increasing between 3,000 - 5,000 yuan (around $450 - 750), annually. The 2016 China Miao Embroidery Charity Exhibition is one of the most important events in the program's calendar, and was first exhibited in Paris and France in 2014.