Beijing, China -- In the most historic fur event of recent memory, North American Fur Association's Salute to China resonated throughout the Great Hall of the People in Tiananmen Square November 18.

As the first Western organization granted permission to host a fashion show within the Great Hall of the People, Rexdale, Ontario-based North American Fur Association (NAFA) attracted more than 45 Chinese print and television news organizations, ABC and CTV television networks and the Associated Press to its Fur Fashion Gala.

NAFA's effort to familiarize Chinese consumers with North American fur products was declared a success: an estimated audience of 10 million viewers had an opportunity to see fur garments made of American Ultra ranch mink, Canada Majestic ranch mink, Majestic Select fox and Northern Supreme wild fur on local and regional television programs.

Accompanied by Kenix Kwok, NAFA's celebrity spokesperson in China, Herman Jansen of North American Fur Auctions pointed out the importance of fur in North America's history:

"Fur was North America's first export and today remains one of its most beautiful and prestigious. I am proud to say our company links itself back over 300 years to the very first fur traders that came to the new world as the Hudson's Bay Company. Beauty transcends time. Three hundred years later, our product is as precious and rare as it was then. We are confident that you will see tonight how beautifully and warmly East can meet West in Canada Majestic, American Ultra and Northern Supreme Furs."

As its title, "A Salute to China," implied, the Gala featured specially created fur collections dedicated to "China's Glorious Past," "Present Day Culture" and "Boundless Future."

The show opened with a scene inspired by life in windswept Tibet, as vivid shades of raccoon were mixed with bright, woven fabrics. Shanghai in the decadent 1920s was the theme for exquisite silk brocade gowns, suits and garments trimmed in Blue Iris and Sapphire mink. Body-hugging seal garments made for a very modern scene, while Black and Mahogany American Ultra and Canada Majestic mink garments for both men and women exhibited the natural elegance of these fine pelts. The show concluded with a vision of the Imperial Court gowns of the Emperor and Empress trimmed in royal sable.

Proceeds from ticket sales were donated to the Chinese History and Culture Educational Foundation for Youth. The money will be used to assist the rebuilding of schools destroyed by recent floods in China as well as to provide funding for the Foundation's cultural exchange projects.