As the country's prosperity improves, beauty and fashion hold a growing fascination for China's women--and their men.

1. Pierre Cardin: first well-known foreign brand in China

Pierre Cardin

For many Chinese people, Pierre Cardin was the original epitome of luxury. Immediately after China adopted the opening-up and reform policy, Pierre Cardin debuted in China's clothing market. Under Pierre Cardin, 12 French models gave fashion show, where admission was restricted, in the Cultural Palace of Nationalities, Beijing, in September 1979. Next year, he initiated China's first public fashion show.

2. Yue-Sai Kan: first international public relations person

Yue-Sai Kan

As a Chinese woman, she introduced foreign fashion concepts to Chinese people, and at the same time spread Chinese culture to the whole world. She has played a significant role in cultural exchanges between east and west.

In 1984, Yue-Sai Kan promoted the first Sino-US TV program cooperation. In 1990, she wrote Guide to Asian Beauty, the first book to teach Chinese women how to build up self-respect and self-confidence through cosmetology. In 1992, she founded Yue-Sai Kan Cosmetics, China's first registered foreign cosmetics company. Her Etiquette for the Modern Chinese is her first best-selling book on etiquette. In September 2006, Chinese Gentleman was published, thus raising the profile of male fashion among Chinese men.