Fashion is a faithful witness to the changes of an era. It chronicles moments of history that are reflected by the clothes of even the most ordinary people.

Chai Jin, once a member of China's very first model team established nearly thirty years ago, still has a fresh memory of her runway days.

Facing the camera, the now 46-year-old lady remains graceful and confident.

Chai Jin, said, "Why did I like being a model back then? Because I could wear all those beautiful things I could never imagined wearing in my real life."

Chai says three decades ago, the colors of blue, black, grey and green dominated the streets. She says new clothes were always regarded something luxurious at that time. Tired of toeing the line, Chai Jin, together with another twenty girls who shared the same thoughts, established China's first model team, a bold move for that era.

"Red Skirts Are Popular on Streets", a 1984 movie, aroused enthusiasm about fashion in countless young girls.

Hua Guofang, Former Captain, Shanghai Model Team, said, "The movie made a sensation in the circle. It was like a new wave putting novelty at the forefront."

Fashion trends are always changing. From the 1980s' view that the more colorful, the better, to "I Want Only the Well-known Brands" of 1990s, now individuality is the best bet. China's fashion world has varied over time.

And a crop of young models have emerged on the scene. Some of them are no stranger at major fashion festivals in Paris and New York.

Mo Wandan, Supermodel, said, "Many of us are offered opportunities to collaborate with top-notch photographers worldwide. I think I'm really lucky living in this era."

The fashion industry in China is taking on a whole new look as well. China International Fashion Week, established more than ten years ago, releases new collections by Chinese fashion designers twice a year. Over forty shows are seen each Fashion Week, showcasing exquisite design from China and the latest trends from around the world.

The year 2006 saw productions by Chinese fashion designers at the Milan Fashion Week in Italy. It caused a stir among critics and fashionistas, and put China's fashion industry on the map.

Clothes manufacturers and factories are also witnessing changes of fashion in China. The textile industry has been growing quickly. Although it still has a long way to go, the endeavor and endurance of the circle's practitioners will help to develop even further.