The Embassy of Switzerland invited guests gathered for “Threads of Entanglement: Swiss-Chinese Fashion Dialogues on Diversity, Identity and Power” in China recently. Presented by the Embassy, in collaboration with the Basel Academy of Art and Design FHNW and the Beijing Institute of Fashion Technology (BIFT), the event featured panel discussions followed by an open-air fashion show. It explored how diversity, inclusion and cultural exchange take shape within contemporary fashion practice. Ambassador of Switzerland to China Krystyna Marty Lang, associate professor and curator of the School of Art and Design BIFT Xiao Luran, and lecturer and curator of the Basel Academy of Art and Design FHNW Nils Lange delivered opening remarks.

The event brought together emerging designers from Switzerland and China, presenting 25 Swiss and 25 Chinese runway outfits, including creative accessories. Over half of the models were non-professional women and men of different age groups and cultural backgrounds. Panel discussions covered topics like inclusive design, cultural expression, gender identity and fashion’s social responsibilities.

“What we wear goes far beyond aesthetics; fashion mirrors history and individual identity”, Ambassador Marty Lang said in her remarks. “Threads of Entanglement reminds us that Swiss and Chinese societies, though shaped by different traditions and cultures, are closely interconnected.” She added, “projects such as this fashion dialogue celebrate diversity as a source of inspiration and allow for mutual understanding between our two countries.”

The pieces shown on the runway merged creative research, experimental design, craftsmanship and cross-disciplinary perspectives. Exchanges between designers, models and audiences created a real-world experience that extends beyond the runway.

The project follows “Helveticana – Swiss Material Culture in Motion”, a material-culture exhibition organized by the Swiss Embassy earlier this year. Drawing on fashion archives, it showcased over 100 historical objects that illustrate Swiss daily design heritage.