Although the fashion world has still not recovered fully from the impact of the economic recession, Chinese models are getting a firm foothold on the international runway.

Minutes to go until showtime, and the cool calm that was has turned into a manic frenzy as stylists, make-up artists and hairdressers add the final touches to the models about to strut down the catwalk.

When Beijing shopper Qian Jiatun recently visited the adidas Flagship Store in Sanlitun Village, Beijing, he found people dressed like Darth Vader and Stormtrooper striking poses for the visitors.

When Taiwan model and actress Lin Chi-lin posed on the runway with several half-naked models, fans screamed at her perfect look and her black skinny jeans, that were decorated with two strips of shiny red diamonds along the sides of her legs.