Models wear Song Dynasty-style clothes on stage. [Photo/taizhou.com.cn]

The Huangyan Grottoes in Taizhou, East China's Zhejiang province, were transformed into a dramatic outdoor runway on Nov 14 as a fashion show showcased 70 sets of Song Dynasty-style garments against a striking natural backdrop.

The show blended historic craftsmanship with contemporary design, creating a visual journey that connected the elegance of the Song Dynasty (960-1279) with today's fashion language.

Set against rugged stone walls illuminated by shifting light, the event used the grottoes as a natural stage. Designers contrasted the rough textures of the rock with the refined silhouettes of Song-inspired attire, forming a vivid visual interplay. The program unfolded in two parts: the first featured ensembles inspired by the Song Dynasty, drawing on garments excavated from the tomb of Zhao Boyun in Huangyan district, known for its exceptionally well-preserved silk pieces, while the second introduced modern interpretations that paired traditional patterns with contemporary tailoring, supported by digital projections that animated the stone backdrops.

The show highlighted Huangyan's long-term efforts to bring cultural heritage into modern life. Since the discovery of 76 exquisite silk textiles in 2016, the district has used this legacy to fuel new creative projects, including design competitions and collaborations with fashion labels. Participating designers spent weeks researching local landscapes, Song ceramics, and historic garments, translating these elements into the 70 featured outfits.

Following the show, many designs will enter wider production, bringing Song Dynasty-style aesthetics into daily use.