Get The Look: The Orient

Sometimes fashion trends do start at home. For the outside world, the Far East has always held an exotic, glamorous allure – think sleek black hair, embroidered fans and decadent robes.

And now that China’s pockets are swelling, the big players are nudging her sartorial traditions back into the spotlight. Louis Vuitton and Dries van Noten certainly seemed to design with their new target market in mind.

Their subtle Oriental details make all the difference, whether as collarless shirts, wrap fronts, inky floral prints or bell sleeves. The color palette has shifted dramatically to wards imperial brights, delicate pastels and white and ebony.

Meanwhile, the cuts alternate between exaggerated draping and boxy silhouettes, the textures between tough cloth and glossy silk. As with any look, don’t go overboard. Instead, don a traditional kimono over a loose tank and wide-leg jeans, or pair an orchid-patterned dress with a navy blazer.

Creativity works in mysterious ways across cultural lines – let’s do our best to keep up.

Photos: H&M, Zara, Topman, Goods Goods Commune