The Fashion World Embraces Chinese Elements

The mysterious, delicate culture of China has to some extent influenced and promoted the development of western art. According to Kobayashi Taichirō (1901-62), a Japanese art historian, the rococo style popular in Europe in 18th century is an obvious example of the impact of Chinese art on western culture. Chinese art and culture has since spread in the western world and today the traditional aesthetics of China remains as an important source of inspiration for fashion designers.

In recent decades, luxury brands all adjust their marketing strategies to cater to Chinese consumers since the nation’s s purchasing power is becoming increasingly strong. This is why many international fashion brands have begun to incorporate Chinese culture into their works.

The Christian Dior Haute Couture 2003 Spring/Summer fashion show, which featured the traditional Chinese culture, is believed to be one of the most brilliant shows in fashion history. Inspired by Chinese acrobatics, the renowned designer John Galliano skillfully integrated Chinese magnificent style into French Haute Couture by using silk and embroidery, and recreated an imaginary eastern world for the audience.

The Spring/Summer 2011 collection presented by Marc Jacobs for Louis Vuitton got its inspiration from eastern fashion popular in the 1970s in Paris. Many Chinese fashion elements such as stand-up collar, rolled edge-trimming, Pan Kou (a type of button used in Chinese Cheongsam) and wide sleeves were used in this collection. The laced monogram pattern was also employed in black or golden long side-silt cheongsam and fan. Long tassel, being the most important element in Eastern aesthetics, was also incorporated in this collection.

The traditional Chinese culture, profound as it is, has been offering a number of inspirations and thoughts for luxury brand designers. These cultural elements have been skillfully reinterpreted in the designers’ works and fully demonstrated the beauty of Eastern art.