China Fashion Gala opened in Luohu on June 15, 2023, at 2 pm and the event attracted the big names of the jewelry industry and promoted exchanges between East and West. Shenzhen, located in Guangdong Province, China, is a bustling city known for its vibrant jewelry industry and renowned as one of the world’s major jewelry manufacturing and trading centres. The city’s jewelry industry has experienced significant growth and development over the years, earning a reputation for its vast selection of high-quality jewelry products.
China Fashion Gala
Shenzhen’s jewelry market offers a diverse range of options to suit various tastes and preferences. From intricate traditional designs to contemporary and cutting-edge styles, there is something for everyone. The city is particularly known for its expertise in producing gold, silver, platinum, and diamond jewelry.
Jewelry artist Wallis Hong
China Fashion Gala was particularly important because it showcased the high level of Chinese jewelry design and manufacturing sites and boosted the international branding of its jewelry industry.
Qilin Ruixiang “Hua Lin Peony”
The delegation invited by the Organisation Committee led by Louhu district’s government, by Mr. Cao Yang, Chairman of Shenzhen Gold Jewelry Culture Research Association and Mrs. Sally Xiong, Mr. Qian Jin of Tianjiin Qilin Gold Jewellery Co. Ltd and other personalities, counted more than 35 important guests among them Mr. Ronny Totah, coufounder of Gemgenève, Mr. Corentin Quideau, famous consultant in creation, development for luxury jewelry and watches firms, Bebe Bakhshi (@champagnegem), gemstone & High Jewelry renowned blogger, influencer and content creator, Barbara Brocchi, IED Rome coordinator for jewelry design and famous jewelry illustrator, Mr. David Brough, journalist and editor at Jewellery Outlook, Claudia Carletti, founder of High Jewellery Dream, Dalila Daffara, Luxury expert in strategy, events, PR & Communication, Arianna Ariel Sorini, Amanda Triossi, independent jewelry expert, specialized in Italian 20th brands and in particular Bulgari, author and lecturer, Donatella Zappieri, jewelry business consultant, two famous jewelry designers: Alessio Boschi and José Maria Goni and many other international guests including Mr. Giuseppe Univochi, founder and creative Director at BYB Vision and the celebrated jewelry artist Wallis Hong.
From the left: Corentin Quideau, Bebe Bakhshi, Laura Astrologo Porché, Ronny and Sandra Totah
Barbara Brocchi, IED Rome Coordinator for Jewelry Design and Illustrator
The event was a great performance and magnificent fashion show that symbolized the four seasons and the natural cycle of life. The choreography was amazing, with a music performance and a delicious traditional dinner for the guests. As an important part of the glamorous event, there was the Award ceremony. The prizes were awarded to Qilin Ruixiang’s “Hua Lin Peony”, Jinhong Jewelry’s “Rose Bliss”, ALLOVE‘s “Phoenix”, Guoyu Jewelry’s work “Dragon’s World” designed by Wallis Hong, two brooches/ring designed by Wallis Hong.
Allove’s Phoenix brooch
In particular, Wallis Hong takes its inspiration from Chinese auspicious patterns and combines marine inspiration and natural elements to present a unique and delicate design in an abstract way. The brooch/ring in titanium features a removable centre stone that can be worn as a ring.
Wallis Hong’s brooch/ring worn at China Fashion Gala
Wallis Hong’s brooches
The show highlighted the design creativity of Chinese jewelry brands and the exquisite skills of Chinese traditional jade craftsmanship, showing the strength of Chinese jewelry brands. I was deeply struck by the modernity and also the throwback to tradition in the jewelry patterns. For instance, dragon, phoenix and peony, featured in some of the jewelry pieces, are typical of Chinese culture. Yet, they reinterpreted new aesthetics through a creative elaboration showing originality and excellent design.
Laura Astrologo Porché, Editorial Director CELEBRE MAGAZINE GROUP at the photocall before entering the Gala Hall
The three-day invitation by China Fashion Gala’s organisers and by the architect of the event, jewelry artist Wallis Hong, included visits to some manufacturing sites and brands, such as FONIKS, to the Shenzhen Jewelry Museum and also a forum where I had the opportunity to talk about the importance for jewelry brands, of storytelling, strong identity, original design, creativity and sustainability, that nowadays is fundamental and urgent to be applied to meet the current standards of the consumers. Regarding sustainability, it is necessary to develop associations with international, responsible Organisations such as CIBJO – World Jewellery Confederation.
Panel discussion at China Fashion Gala with Claudia Carletti and David Brough
Green Tara by the Chinese Master Zhang Mingjuan (photo courtesy Jewelry Museum of Shenzhen)
Wallis Hong giving a speech at one of the events
From the left: Amanda Triossi, David Brough, Alessio Boschi, L.A.P.
The program included being part of a jury to select one of the best International jewelry designers.
From the left: Mr. Fu, Mrs. Sally Xiong, Fangze Yan, José Maria Goni, Alessio Boschi, Wallis Hong and Mr. Qian Jin
This invitation was really instructive to me since I could see with my own eyes how the Chinese jewelry industry has grown and the importance of the Luohu district in the world. I interviewed Wallis Hong for Chinese television, who declared: “I think that China Fashion Gala is a revolutionary event. Luohu district is growing more and more in importance today and it is an extraordinary hub for all jewelry players. I acted in this event as a bridge to strengthen the communication between Chinese jewelry industry and Western jewelry industry. I am delighted to have all these guests here in Shenzhen for China Fashion Gala and my desire is to persist in being a bridge that enhances the connections between Chinese jewelry culture and the West. My hope is that people will recognize and appreciate not only my work as a jewelry artist but also the efforts I make to promote and preserve my cultural heritage while also contributing to the development of the Chinese market”.
Laura Astrologo Porché interviews Wallis Hong at China Fashion Gala
Xiao Jiarui, deputy chief of the Luohu district, affirmed: “Luohu has the highest level of development and the most complete industrial chain of China”. I wish to conclude my article by thanking the Organisation Committee and Wallis Hong (https://luxuryinvestmentmagazine.com/the-fabulous-timeless-world-of-wallis-hong/ ) for this prestigious invitation that gave me the great opportunity to discover more about the rich Chinese heritage, culture and have a first approach to the Chinese jewelry. I also had the possibility to communicate this enriching experience during a lecture given the day after my return to Milan with China in my heart.
A big thank you to Yina and Mingbo.
Article edit by Laura Astrologo Porché
Instagram: @journaldesbijoux
