The city will hold the Shanghai International Fashion Culture Festival 2002 from April 24 to May 3, which will feature 1,400 stalls for garment exhibits.

At the fair, the city's eighth such festival, over 20 international brands, including Celine, Fendi and Loewe, will bring their latest collections to Shangahi.

In addition, a total of 73 models from 30 countries will compete in the model competition.

And shows by top young Chinese fashion designers from the mainland, Hong Kong and Taiwan will be offered, as well as a special fashion show featuring traditional Chinese costumes.

"After the APEC conference held in Shanghai last year, traditional Chinese costumes became really hot in the country," said Jiang Guangyu, secretary-general of the festival committee. "The fashion show aims to further promote our traditional culture on the international stage."

The United States, France, Italy, Germany, South Korea and Japan have all organized delegations to attend the fair.

( China Daily April 22, 2002)