China Fashion Week 2009

A model shows off the exaggerated cape on a dress by China's Jenny during the opening ceremony of China Fashion Week in Beijing on March 24, 2009. The designer's collection was shown as part of the competition for the Hempel Award, a contest for young and up-and-coming fashion designers.

A model shows a fashion piece described as "Chicks with Balls," designed by Norway's Marianne Stabel Thorstensen, during the 17th annual Hempel Award contest for young international fashion designers held as part of the opening ceremony of China Fashion Week in Beijing on March 24, 2009.

A model strikes a pose in a futuristic creation by Indonesian designer Kumiawan Yosafat Dwi during the Hempel Award contest for young designers as part of China Fashion Week in Beijing on March 24, 2009.

A design made from sponge by China's Zhao Hengrui is presented on the catwalk as part of the opening ceremonies for China Fashion Week. Zhao was one of the competitors for the Hempel Award for young international designers.

Managing to stay balanced in sky-high heels, a model wearing a creation by Renate Nipe of Norway exits the stage during the exibition of competitors for the Hempel Award, shown as part of the opening ceremony of China Fashion Week in Beijing on March 24, 2009.

An oversized headpiece with hanging rope tassles tops off an all-white creation, designed by Germany's Jasmin Heiderich, that was presented as part of the 17th annual Hempel Award for young international fashion designers held for the opening ceremony of China Fashion Week in Beijing, China, Tuesday, March 24, 2009.

A bold floral pattern and large sculptural elements detail a creation designed by Wang Ning, a Chinese deigner, shown here on a model during the presentation of competitors for the Hempel Award at China Fashion Week in Beijing on March 24, 2009.

Rich red and yellow fabrics contrast bold warrior-inspired elements in this design by Morocco's Staili Nablia during the opening ceremony of China Fashion Week in Beijing on March 24, 2009. Nablia was one of the competitors for the Hempel Award, which recognizes young international designers.

Another piece from Moroccan designer Staili Nablia's collection of warrior-inspired pieces that walked the catwalk during the opening ceremony of China Fashion Week in Beijing on March 24, 2009.

Chinese designer Chen Jiawei, second from left, celebrates with models wearing her designs after winning the Hempel Award for young international fashion designers on March 24, 2009, as part of China Fashion Week in Beijing.