“Bei, born in Xi’an China, was striving to break through the barrier of classic French ‘couturier’ with her colorful designs and an Asian twist.”

Making one’s way into the limelight of the fashion industry in Paris has not changed since Coco Chanel sought support from members of the wealthy bourgeoisie at the turn of the 20th century. I took these photos in 2006 at a small, by invitation only, fashion show in the apartment of a well to do French family. The building was located a stone’s throw away from the Champs Elysees. The Monsieur who hosted the event at his private residence had an eye for the work of Bei, a young Chinese fashion designer who had studied in Paris. Her work was and still is symbolic of a crossover between European and Asian design.