Hangzhou event gives Asian fashion a chance to take on Western brands

A model presents creations by Asian designers at the opening runway show during the annual conference of the Asia Fashion Federation.[Photo provided to China Daily]

In Asia, indigenous fashion has long been overshadowed by Western brands, but the region has gradually come together to change this.

The Asia Fashion Federation recently held its annual conference in Hangzhou, capital of Zhejiang province.

The theme this year is "fashion without borders in an Internet Plus era", focusing on how the fashion industry can take advantage of the internet.

The organization, established in 2002, is a fashion liaison among China, Japan, South Korea, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam. It is intended to enhance lifestyles and culture in East Asia, and promote the development of the region's fashion industry.

Member countries alternately host the annual conference. It consists of a chairman's meeting, seminars, business-matching programs and other trade and academic activities.