Tradition without borders

Then, French interior designer Eric Benque assembled these with bamboo elements representing Eastern culture into a cohesive installation.

"The arrangement was done on-site based on techniques and color schemes," Hu notes.

Over three months of preparation, the project demonstrated how shared textile methods can yield culturally distinct expressions, she says.

Benque established simple parameters: each student would create a 20 centimeter wide fabric sample showcasing their finest craftsmanship, with unlimited length and free choice of techniques.

"The diversity of responses to this single prompt has been astonishing," he remarks, adding that he was visibly impressed by the creativity in the submitted works.

The designer intentionally maintained flexibility in the exhibition design, with adjustable benches and modular displays — to accommodate the unknown quantity and sizes of submissions until installation day.

"Just as the historic Silk Road had meeting points, this setup invites visitors to sit and discuss the artworks," he says.

Having visited China three times for this event, he says he has been constantly amazed how it brings global traditions together.

He particularly appreciated seeing weaving techniques from the two countries displayed side-by-side, noting striking similarities in global textile patterns.