Famous Chinese model Ma Yanli is to bring the one thousand-year-old traditional costumes of the Yi ethnic group to an international catwalk in Beijing on Oct 28.

The female embroiderers to take the stage together with their traditional costumes specially designed for the event were warmly welcomed in their first appearance in downtown Beijing one day before the activity launches.

Embroiderers from Chuxiong Yi autonomous prefecture, Yunnan province, showcase their skills in Beijing on Oct 27. [Photo/ynci.cn]

Fifteen Yi ethnic embroiderers sit on the ground embroidering for what promises to be a most significant day for them and for the ancient culture which symbolizes the Yi people's intelligence and diligence.

"They are so amazing and incredible!" said Magni from Israel. It was his first time to see Chinese ethnic culture.

Surprised by the high embroidery skill of an eight-year-old embroiderer, Li Lunqing, the man's wife, Anna, kissed and hugged the girl time to time.

"The graphic designs and colors are so beautiful. Although I cannot quite understand what meanings they are conveying, I am sure they are all telling beautiful and touching stories," said Rossetti, an older Italian lady.

A woman surnamed Man was impressed by the Yi ethnic embroideries, which she was seeing for the first time although she has often been to Yunnan province.

"It is the first time I have ever seen Yi ethnic embroideries. I have to go to the autonomous region to feel the culture myself," she said.

An adult embroiderer guides a little embroiderer in stitch work in preparation for an international display of Yi ethnic embroideries scheduled on Oct 28. [Photo/ynci.cn]

Everywhere the embroiderers went there were lots of passersby eager to pose with them for a photo.

Ma Yanli, the Chinese supermodel who brought the Yi ethnic culture to Beijing, said that she was totally overwhelmed by the local costumes' unique beauty the first time she saw them in Yongren county, Yunnan province.

"The first time I saw them, I realized it was what I was seeking. I had to do something to let more people know the gorgeous costumes," she said.

After eight months' preparation for the international display, Ma designed 50 dresses with Yi embroideries and invited embroiderers from remote villages to take to the stage in those costumes in Beijing.

Edited by Peter Nordlinger