Designer Zheng Qing'er with children wearing her outfits at the recent China Fashion Week. [Photo provided to China Daily]

Some people call fashion a religion. For Chiang Mai-based Chinese designer Zheng Qing'er, religion is where her fashion begins.

The devout Buddhist made her runway debut at China Fashion Week recently. Inspired by a trip to the Tibet autonomous region, the collection features robes, gowns and capes influenced by both Tibetan ethnic wear and traditional Chinese costumes.

The show was held in five parts－blue, white, red, green and yellow, in accordance with the Tibetan prayer flag, which is invoked for fortune.

The runway was constructed like the wooden corridor of the 500-year-old Wat Ton Kwan temple in Chiang Mai where Zheng usually meditates.

The catwalk was lit with lanterns inspired by Loy Kra Thong, a traditional Thai festival when people release paper lanterns into the air.

Zheng believes that loose-fitting garments made using natural fabrics can help people find inner peace.

"All objects have a power within them. If you put your heart in it, people can feel it," she says.