Hu Sheguang launches 2023 haute couture collection in Beijing

Another highlight of the show was the some 55 models with an average age of 55. Members of Sheguang Hu's Supermodels are fashion enthusiasts from all walks of life from around the country, with most of them being retirees.

Launched in 2018, Sheguang Hu's Supermodels is a platform offering modeling training and promoting a healthy, fashionable lifestyle. Boasting bases in more than 100 cities around China, the platform has sent members to strut on international catwalks such as New York Fashion Week and London Fashion Week.

Shi Jing, 69, was one of the models presenting the Beijing show. Shi, a former university dance teacher in East China's Shandong province, said she was attracted by Hu's efforts to promote older models four years ago and decided to train herself in modeling and then joined Hu's model team.

"I've had so much fun since I joined Mr. Hu's team," Shi told China Daily website. "What appeals to me most about Mr. Hu's work is his commitment to promoting ethnic traditions around the world," she added.