A sheet of paper may seem too fragile to become a piece of clothing, let alone one that can be worn, walked in and presented on a stage. Yet that is exactly what Zhang Zufang, a professor in the College of Fashion and Design at Donghua University, and her team achieved.
Models of her paper dresses are currently on display at the Skills Showcase in the media center of the 48th WorldSkills Competition in Shanghai. The dresses are part of a series of outfits originally created for the Shanghai segment of the closing ceremony of the 47th WorldSkills Competition in Lyon, France, in 2024.
Zhang Zufang discusses the craftsmanship behind her paper dresses at the Skills Showcase in the media center of the 48th WorldSkills Competition in Shanghai, Sept. 23, 2026. [Photo by Mi Xingang/China.org.cn]
"It is an innovative result that combines traditional Chinese culture with modern technology," Zhang said in an interview on Sept. 23.
The designs incorporate various cultural elements from Shanghai — such as the city's magnolia flowers and shikumen architecture — as well as traditional Chinese lanterns and pavilion roofs. Meanwhile, their structure draws inspiration from the ancient Chinese mortise and tenon woodworking technique. Instead of glue, the team adapted the technique to lightweight paper, designing and assembling different shaped pieces to create garments that follow the contours of the human body.
"It takes traditional wisdom and gives it a new interpretation," Zhang said.
A model paper dress, designed as part of a series of outfits for the closing ceremony of the 47th WorldSkills Competition, on display in Shanghai, Sept. 23, 2026. [Photo by Mi Xingang/China.org.cn]
The project also incorporated modern materials and technology. Made from environmentally friendly paper, the original costumes were designed to withstand outdoor conditions in Lyon, including possible rain and changes in humidity. Lighting effects were also integrated into the garments to create a "slow breathing" effect, whereby the lights slowly brighten and dim.
For Zhang, the value of the project goes beyond its visual appeal. It demonstrates how skills can connect tradition and innovation, creativity and practical application.
"It's not enough to have creativity. You also need to know how to make it happen," she said.
In her view, a skilled designer needs to be able to turn an idea into a workable design, make patterns, select materials, master production techniques and eventually create a finished product. As such, skills competitions test far more than technical proficiency. They also require creativity, problem-solving and the ability to turn ideas into reality.
The paper dresses have also found a second life as an educational project. After returning from Lyon in 2024, Zhang and her team introduced a related program at Shanghai No. 3 Girls' High School, allowing students interested in fashion design to explore the techniques behind the costumes. The project was intended to bring vocational concepts into high school education and give students an opportunity to learn through hands-on practice.
Zhang Zufang's team demonstrates accessory-making techniques at the Skills Showcase in the media center of the 48th WorldSkills Competition in Shanghai, Sept. 23, 2026. [Photo by Mi Xingang/China.org.cn]
Her story offers a glimpse into the broader meaning of skills as Shanghai hosts the 48th WorldSkills Competition, which opened on Sept. 22 under the theme "Master Skills Change Your Future."
The competition brings together around 1,400 competitors from across the world to compete in 64 skills. However, the Shanghai event extends beyond the competition halls. WorldSkills Conference 2026 has brought together policymakers, educators, industry leaders and young people to discuss how the world can find, train and value young skilled professionals.
For Zhang, that process starts with giving people the skills to turn an idea into reality — sometimes beginning with nothing more than a sheet of paper.
