Oriental Clash

This spread: DRESS MODEL’S OWN KIMONO MODEL’S OWN

Words & Photography: Arabelle Zhuang Model: Rosalyn Ng & Scarlet Watkins

Previous spread: Model: Scarlet Watkins DRESS ZARA, NECKLACE MODEL’S OWN

MODEL ROSALYN NG KIMONO AND NECK TIE POMELO TOP BIG SAM, TROUSERS DEPRESSION, BELT ASOS

Asian culture has influenced fashion for a long time and now, ever more so. ‘Chinoiserie’ and ‘Japonisme’ are the Frenchified terms for the influence of oriental aesthetics in the western fashion industry. With so many world top designers such as Prada, Gucci, Fendi and Dries Van Noten taking inspiration, we are seeing models taking to the runways with embroidered kimonos, lavish silks, asian florals and traditional motifs.

BOMBER JACKET CASTLE ROUGE SAKAJAN DRESS POMELO

Fashion is continuing to blend cultures and draw on global inspirations. With that said, retailers such as TopShop and Zara are producing everyday-wear pieces that feature these oriental influences. Using vintage and retailing pieces, Arabelle Zhuang styles these oriental looks.