Fashion works powered by digital and intelligent technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI) come into the spotlight at the ongoing China Fashion Week in Beijing, demonstrating the appeal of the country's new generation of designers.

The spring session of the 2026 China Fashion Week began in Beijing on Friday last week, shining a spotlight on the fusion of traditional Chinese culture and modern fashion.

With the help of AI, the works integrating Chinese elements and oriental aesthetics have been precisely de-constructed and digitally reconstructed, showcasing the modern appeal of traditional Chinese craftsmanship to global audiences.

"By leveraging AI and digital technology to design textile patterns, we combine classic Chinese elements, including stand collar and knot button, with the western style like suit, waistcoat, and short jacket. Paired with fabrics of varying textures, the design highlights style and grace of traditional clothing," said He Rong, a Chinese fashion designer.

At the Art Museum of the Central Academy of Fine Arts in Beijing, 100 young designers from 59 universities and design institutes nationwide presented their latest fashion works.

Ranging from fully 3D-printed garment fabric to ready-to-wear collection, and from cutting-edge techniques such as laser cutting and digital modeling to creative design, the exhibition showcased the original creativity and culture succession carried by the next generation of design talent.

"Whether it is 3D printing or other digital and intelligent technologies, they fundamentally serve to apply traditional culture to contemporary lifestyles. They may help us bridge the gap between technology and life," said Xie Mengdi, teacher at the School of Design of the Central Academy of Fine Arts.

Centuries-old intangible cultural heritage techniques, reimagined by young designers, have been brought to the runway to offer audiences a renewed expression of oriental aesthetics.

"It's not simply about borrowing past techniques and traditions of intangible cultural heritage, but rather about using new technologies, such as AI, to continuously refine and improve the ability of contemporary Chinese youth to look back at the past and look forward to the future," said Zou You, vice president of the Beijing Institute of Fashion Technology.