In July, Shi received an invitation from the provincial department of culture and tourism to attend Milan Fashion Week. On Sept 21, Shi left for Milan with two traditional costumes and 10 embroidered pieces destined for the catwalk.

"I was one of 17 embroiderers who worked nonstop for 20 days to complete the 10 pieces. We cherished this opportunity and were committed to hitting our target no matter how difficult," said Shi.

The day before leaving for Milan, Shi and her husband checked their luggage often, nervous they had forgotten any essential tools, even a thread or a needle. Despite never being abroad and not knowing the distance between Italy and China, she knew the trip to Milan would open a new and exciting chapter.

Both Wang and Shi are intensely proud that the traditional costumes of their ethnic group have been presented on the international stage, boosting confidence in the inheritance and development of Miao embroidery.

"Traditional handicrafts can be very fashionable, and our ethnic culture has plenty of global appeal," said Wang.