Kenya’s finest textiles to be displayed at a new exhibition at the Shanghai Textile and Costume Museum at Donghua University as part of the institution’s 15th Fashion Week, which this year has a Silk Road theme.

Textiles are a dominant symbol of Kenyan culture, residents and visitors will get a better understanding of Kenya when they visit the museum.

The exhibition opened yesterday, featuring 72 pieces of Kenyan textile and clothing, both in traditional and modern styles, as well as some ornamental items such as rings, necklaces and sculptures.

Bian Xiangyang, curator of the museum and planner of the exhibition, said that the exhibit is in response to the central government’s “One Belt, One Road,” economic strategy.

In addition to fashion shows showcasing local designers, Donghua will this year hold its first fashion design contest tonight for overseas students. More than 30 foreign students from 26 countries will represent 20 Chinese universities.

The Fashion Week will end on the weekend, but the exhibitions will run through May 28 from 9am to 5pm.

Kenya is a crucial partner for China in its efforts to maximize its economic cooperation with Africa.