ICHCAP

UNESCO’s “Intangible Cultural Heritage as Fashion” initiative officially launched on February 13, 2025, with its first partner meeting in Chuxiong, Yunnan, China. The event, co-hosted by the Chuxiong Municipal Government and UNESCO Regional Office for East Asia, brought together government representatives, fashion institutions, universities, and intangible cultural heritage (ICH) artisans from China, Japan, Mongolia, and South Korea. Participants stressed the need for ethical and fair collaboration while ensuring traditional artisans’ voices and agency are respected.

The participants explored ways to strengthen the link between ICH and the fashion industry through capacity-building workshops, pilot projects, and symposiums. They also exchanged insights on intellectual property protection, sustainable fashion practices, and collaboration with ICH artisans. In addition, participants experienced Chuxiong’s cultural heritage firsthand, visiting traditional embroidery enterprises, joining the Lantern Festival, and taking part in a traditional costume competition.

Chuxiong, already recognized internationally as the “City of Yi Embroidery,” has showcased its traditional techniques at major fashion weeks in Shanghai, Paris, and Milan. The upcoming Chuxiong Fashion Week aims to further blend traditional craftsmanship with contemporary design.

UNESCO plans to continue supporting the sustainable growth of this initiative through workshops and educational programs, fostering the integration of intangible cultural heritage into the global fashion industry.

Reference : https://www.unesco.org/en/articles/unesco-partners-meeting-launches-ich-fashion-initiative-east-asia?hub=413