Participants pose for a group photo at the launch ceremony in Paris. [Photo/Nantong Daily]

Sun Jianhua, founder of the Nantong Foremost Hat Museum — China's first private hat museum — launched the European editions of his two books, 101 Hats and Dao, the Greatest Gift, at the Louvre Hotel in Paris, France.

The books made their domestic debut in Nantong on Sept 20. 101 Hats features works by 72 hat designers from 20 countries and regions, showcasing global art of millinery. Meanwhile, Dao, the Greatest Gift is Sun's personal English translation of the Tao Te Ching, offering Western readers a fresh perspective on ancient Eastern philosophy.

At the event, Sun announced the launch of the World Headwear Fund, which aims to support hat creators, preserve traditional craftsmanship and promote international cultural exchange.

The Paris launch drew prominent figures from the international fashion and academic worlds, including Stephen Jones, chief milliner at Dior; Elly Stemerdink, editor of The Hat Magazine; and fashion critic Roger Tredre. They praised the works for their role in bridging Eastern and Western fashion and thought.

Thirteen of the 72 featured designers attended the event and received collection certificates from the museum. Representatives from the overseas Chinese community and European art circles also spoke at the ceremony.