LODZ, Poland, Aug. 26 (Xinhua) -- On an otherwise simple blouse, a traditional Chinese knot stood out as a small but distinctive detail.
The piece was part of a collection presented by Chinese fashion brand OMYTONE at the three-day Trends Expo near Lodz, central Poland, which opened on Tuesday.
A major apparel trade event in Central Europe, the fair has brought together fashion industry professionals from 35 countries and regions for business talks, trend-spotting and showcases of new collections.
Across OMYTONE's collection, traditional Chinese elements, including pankou (knot buttons), hand embroidery and auspicious-cloud motifs, were woven into contemporary styles, impressing clients from Germany, Ireland, Romania and Hungary.
Chinese-inspired designs could also be seen among exhibitors. At a booth run by a Kyrgyz company, a Qipao-style shirt was on display. Manager Akylai Kudaiberdieva said the company began introducing Chinese elements after noticing their growing popularity in the market, and seeing such styles adopted by international fashion brands.
"Our European clients have shown strong interest in these designs, and they have been selling well," she added.
Polish buyer Aldona Drekowska-Zasada was among those drawn to the trend. After browsing the fair, she selected several samples featuring Chinese elements for possible business cooperation.
"I prefer something clean, but with new structures and fresh approaches," she told Xinhua. "These designs are distinctive but not overly elaborate. That's exactly what I'm looking for."
Chinese-style designs already enjoy a degree of recognition and appeal among European consumers, said Polish stylist Pawel Marczewski. Having visited China, Marczewski said he had long been drawn to Chinese craftsmanship and patterns, particularly dragon motifs.
He also pointed to the increasing presence of Chinese elements in international fashion, citing Adidas' use of pankou in designs that have attracted extensive attention on social media.
For Marczewski, the key lies in reinterpretation rather than replication. He told Xinhua that traditional details work best when paired with understated and natural designs.
This kind of fusion catches the eye and sparks curiosity about the meaning behind the design, he said, helping people learn more about Chinese culture.
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