Slow down and enjoy Uruguayan fashion

Uruguay hopes to boost its sales of wool to China by branching out into fashion and design, Fernando Lugris, the South American nation's ambassador in China, said during a meeting with designers from the country on Wednesday in Beijing.

Designers Ana Livni and Fernando Escuder are trying to introduce the concept of "slow fashion", which they hope will encourage people to slow down and take time to think. The clothing they produce is all made with Uruguayan wool.

"We hope by designing we can bring our wool to China in another way," Lugris said.

Since the establishment of diplomatic relations in 1988, China has become Uruguay's biggest trading partner, as well as the largest importer of wool. According to statistics quoted by Minister of Commerce, China held the position of the top export destination in 2016, accounting for 42.2 percent of the total export volume.

"In the past 30 years, Chinese people's perception of consumption has changed and they are looking for products with higher quality", Lugris said. The designers' creations are made with Uruguay's local wool, coming from naturally fed sheep.

Explaining "slow fashion", Livni said she wants her creations to be classic and last longer than fast-fashion brands. She also emphasizes the multiple functions of the clothes, as well as quality and design.

"The products are also a presentation of Uruguayan culture," Lavni said. "We hope in the near future that Chinese customers will be able to purchase these items."