A career that's a cut above

NPC deputy from Southwest China gives ethnic clothing a modern look, report Yang Feiyue and Yang Jun in Guizhou.

Li Li returned to her ethnic costume-making business with a renewed passion after her trip to Beijing for the two sessions in March.

"This year's government work report has proposed enrichment of the spiritual and cultural life of the people, promotion of excellent traditional Chinese culture, strengthening the protection and inheritance of cultural relics and cultural heritage, as well as support of the development of cultural industries," says Li, from Zitang village, Qinglong county, Qianxinan Bouyei and Miao autonomous prefecture, Southwest China's Guizhou province.

"It has given me great hope and expectations for the future," Li says, adding that what she has been doing is in line with the stipulations of the report.

Li, in her 30s, attended the two sessions as a deputy to the National People's Congress.

Love of her indigenous Bouyei culture has seen her launch a successful costume business, which has not only helped spread the charm of local ethnic culture but offered employment opportunities to many local women.

"In addition to Bouyei, Qinglong county is home to many other ethnic groups, such as Yao and Yi people," Li says.

She has kept a special eye on popular colors, styles or other elements while making Bouyei clothes, because "once those rich local ethnic elements are added, the clothes will become exotic yet fashionable wear, suitable for modern occasions", Li says.

Her efforts have managed to increase sales.

"Some of our ethnic costumes have been hotly sought-after, especially during livestream sales," she says.

Since the beginning of this year, she has been snowed under with orders for her clothes.