Mongolian ethnic clothing weaves together tradition, innovation

First held in 2003, the annual event aims to promote and protect Mongolian clothing. During this year's event, a seminar was held to discuss the status, trends, and protection of ethnic clothing.

Designer Ma Yonghua, owner of a Mongolian clothing company in Xingan League, was among the attendees.

The 27-year-old used to be a nurse and switched to costume design due to her passion for Mongolian clothing and tradition.

"I persuaded my parents and sold my apartment to fund the company," said Ma.

Ma said she respects tradition in making clothing. For example, cloud patterns should only be embroidered on the collar, rather than on trousers, to represent clouds' position in the sky and show awe of nature.

"In making Mongolian clothing, one should follow standards and know both how and why," Ma said.

While preserving the old, she is also creating new things.

Ma is working on Mongolian-style school uniforms featuring ethnic elements, but in soft and stretchy modern materials, rather than traditional leather and silk.

"Only when children love our traditional ethnic clothing will we be able to protect and develop it," said Zhang Yanru with the region's tourism development commission.