Book 101 Hats, featuring works by top designers like Stephen Jones, is launched in Nantong on Sept 20. [Photo/Nantong Daily]

The fifth 920 Hat Carnival, a fusion of traditional craftsmanship and modern fashion, was held at the Nantong Hat Cultural and Creative Park in Jiangsu province on Sept 20.

Artists, designers, entrepreneurs in the textile and apparel industry, artisans of intangible cultural heritage, scholars, and enthusiasts from various sectors gathered to explore new pathways for integrating hat culture with diverse industries.

One of the sponsors, Nantong Foremost Headwears, which has been rooted in Nantong for 30 years, has consistently led in fashion trends and industry innovation, establishing a cultural identity that reflects the global influence of Chinese hat design.

This year's carnival unveiled significant industry milestones, including the "101 Intangible Cultural Heritage Hats" project and the global launch of the book 101 Hats, featuring works by top designers like Stephen Jones.

The event also marked the launch of the World Hat Fund, which supports original designers and cultural exchanges. It also featured a cross-disciplinary dialogue exploring innovative pathways for cross-industry integration and advancement in the hat industry.

The carnival concluded with a spectacular light and shadow show, showcasing the rich heritage of Chinese hat artistry through modern digital technology. It demonstrated the innovative fusion of traditional craftsmanship and artificial intelligence, highlighting the industry's digital transformation.

The Nantong Hat Cultural and Creative Park has become a vibrant cultural destination, integrating hat culture into its landscape with artistic installations. In addition, as Mid-Autumn Festival approaches, the Foremost Hat Museum invites the public to engage in immersive cultural experiences that celebrate the rich heritage and dynamic evolution of hat artistry.