The evening opened with a cocktail reception, during which works by famed Chinese photographer Sun Jun were on display, followed by a dinner which featured a dance performance by previous winners of the Miss Universe China Pageant.

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The Gala was well attended by personalities from all walks of life such as New York City leaders, well-known designers and beloved fashion icons including US Congresswoman Carolyn Maloney, Chinese Ambassador Zhang Qiyue, Silas Chou, Iris Apfel, Carmen Dell'Orefice, Chien Chung Pei, Vivienne Tam, Asia Chow and Princess of Udaipur Padmaja Kumari Parmar to name a few.

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The highlight of the evening was a full-length couture fashion show by designer Grace Chen. Chen graduated in 1996 from the Fashion Institute of Technology, where she was the first alumnus from the Chinese mainland. Chen said that she hopes her designs will help establish the iconic image of modern Chinese women worldwide. "China's power of culture is on the rise and everyone in the world is setting eyes on China and want to learn from China, so for us it's good timing," said Chen.

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The China Fashion Gala is a platform to promote and support emerging Chinese talent on the international stage and recognize individuals whose outstanding contributions have helped position Chinese design and aesthetics at the forefront of fashion on a global scale.