This year, one of the truly "new" trends on the catwalks, i.e. looks that haven't been recycled from ideas making the rounds in recent seasons, displayed a serious love for all that is Asia's rich, stunning fashion history. When it comes to Western style, most fashionistas have seen it before: corsets, pencil skirts, leopard, leather, denim, and of course, blatant sex appeal. A few of our favorite designers eschewed the obvious direction for something unexpected with their modern take on seriously old school style. Stunning embroidery, plays on shape and proportion, colors, and femininity that is outlined rather than laid bare all added up to a major breath of fresh air. Whether Chinese, Japanese, or another Asian country, the inspiration was clear and the fashion world took notice. Here are some of our favorite looks to get you inspired.
Eastern Influence: Get Caught-Up On This Season's Breakout Trend
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Flight of Fancy
Birds are highly revered in Asian culture, both in art and clothing design. Pick up an item with a bird motif and you'll be channelling Asian style.
Dries Van Noten image: IMAXtree
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Art Lesson
Asian art has a rich tradition of incredible skill level, centuries of development, and beauty. A fabric printed with one of the classic Asian media (like watercolor) is another way to go.
Dries Van Noten image: IMAXtree
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The Way of The Samurai
If you've never seen a Samurai Warrior's uniform, go ahead and give it a google. You'll quickly be able to see the reference in these Proenza Schouler looks. The transition from fierce warrior to 21st century womenswear is nothing short of amazing.
Image: IMAXtree
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The Way of The Samurai
Proenza Schouler image: IMAXtree
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Embroidered Emperor
This look calls to mind royalty. For it was only the ruling class and Imperial House that could afford colorful detailed embroidered pieces like these. Done by hand in the days of the Emperors, Asian embroidery is truly a work of art. If you see anything resembling it, pick it up and don't let it go.
Proenza Schouler image: IMAXtree
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Flower Girl
Sometimes just a print can call to mind an entire national culture. The print on this dress is reminiscent of flora native to Asia and is seen in cultural artwork and design. And now in ours too, thanks to Jason Wu.
Image: IMAXtree
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Mandarin Influence
The Mandarin collar is a classic Chinese design. The Mandarin collar dress speaks to a peek-a-boo idea of sexiness. Show your shape without showing your skin and you've got mystery, class, and subtlety in your hands.
Jason Wu image: IMAXtree
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Cultural Reference
Chrysanthemums (or mums) are a major part of Asian culture. Both the Chinese and Japanese frequently used them in art and both have a holiday in which the mum serves as symbol. These flowers were thought to represent perfection. We agree. Could this Zac Posen dress be more perfect?
Image: IMAXtree
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Obi One
The history of the Geisha is often misunderstood by Westerners, but one thing we can relate to is waist definition. The thick belt, known as the obi, on a classic Kimono is something we can add to any of our own looks.
Zac Posen image: IMAXtree
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Golden
Another major motif in Asian art and design is the golden sun. Golden painted and embroidered tapestries and clothing were common enough amongst the very wealthy. Posen adds gold to great effect in a jacket whose sleeves remind us of Kimonos.
Image: IMAXtree
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The Kahn
Asia, of course, doesn't only refer to Japan and China. Mongolia is also considered part of the continent. And that's exactly what we thought of when we saw this Rag & Bone look. Shaggy, long fur, dark colors, and a rustic flower pattern on sleeves and boots are a dead ringer for the rulers of Mongolia's nomadic peoples.
Image: IMAXtree
