Chinese Haute-Couture Steps Up at Hong Kong Fashion Week

China at one time may have been better known for fashion knockoffs than catwalk creations, but Chinese haute-couture is now finding its feet on the international stage -- even as it grows ever more popular with customers at home.

Chinese designers have been front and centre at Hong Kong Fashion Week for Fall/Winter 2012, which ends on Thursday, taking advantage of the nearly 2,000 exhibitors from 26 countries and regions to make their mark.

"China's been the clothing factory of the world for some time," said Chinese designer Qi Gang, whose creations featured bright colors, sequins, fur and feathers.

"But as our economy develops, we are also becoming a country of famous brands, big brands. This trend is unstoppable," he told Reuters TV.

(Reuters)