The theme of the opening ceremony of '96 Shanghai International Fashion Culture Festival is " the colorful world". A stage has been set up near the large sculpture in the fountain square of Shanghai Exhibition Center. The stage is covered with red carpet, and beside it stands a gate with seven groups of flowers. The national flags of many countries flag the square for the festival, meanwhile we can see seven big balloon above the square.

After melody of the Festival song , a hundred models appear from the gate near the stage and walking out along the red carpet with flowers in their hands. In a warm and auspicious atomosphere, the opening ceremony is held by the Secretary General of the Festival and the followed speaking is made by the Chairman. As soon as the slice of red silk be scissored off, lots of balloons in the various color go up to the sky from models's hands, and immediatly all guests in the square let their balloons off.