Item from March 20, 1986, in China Daily: Designers and dressmakers in Shanghai have joined forces in a new association aimed at sewing up new prospects for the city's garment industry.

The Shanghai Garment Industry Association, established on Saturday, vows to maintain the city's reputation as the country's fashion leader and a source of high-grade garments and dresses.

China's fashion industry is now in tune with the rest of the world, with global brands rushing to stake their claims in the country and a number of Chinese models hitting the runways.

Since the first foreign label, Pierre Cardin, entered China in 1978, many luxury brands such as Chanel, Dior, Gucci and Luis Vuitton have been eyeing the country.

By the end of 2015, Gucci operated 60 stores in China.

To attract customers, Chinese models are routinely seen on the runways as part of the advertising campaigns of these luxury brands.

Liu Wen became the first Asian to model for Victoria's Secret.

As a pioneer for Chinese models on the international stage, Liu was the eighth highest-paid model in the world in 2015, earning $7 million from endorsement deals, according to Forbes magazine.

As China rises in the world, it's becoming increasingly common to see Chinese-inspired elements in high fashion.

To celebrate the Year of the Rooster, many designer brands are promoting products with rooster themes.