Memoirs of a Geisha

Fashspiration of the week // Memoirs of a Geisha: Turning Japanese? We really think so…

Loosely defined as the influence of Japanese art on the West and more specifically in France, where Japanese wood-block prints inspired European impressionist painters (bear with me) Japonisme is a MAJOR reference buzz word for SS13.

Memoirs of a Geisha

So what does this mean for us dedicated followers of fashion?

It means that if Christopher Kane, Miuccia Prada and Alber Ebaz at Lanvin have their way, we’ll be swapping skinny jeans for folded tailoring, karate belts, obi-bows and modernist floral print kimonos come spring 2013.

Wanna adopt this trend? The references you can borrow from art, culture and cinema are vast.

Take the forbidden romance of Hong Kong flick In the Mood for Love Vs the traditional Japanese warriors of 13 Assassins for different takes on how extremely masculine or feminine your starting point can be.

Here’s a quick breakdown of a few key words to borrow if you’re serious about adopting this Eastern mood…

Hakamas

Prada hakamas SS13

A type of traditional Japanese trouser (originally worn by men for horse riding) that ties at the waist and falls at the ankle. Now worn by both sexes. The most formal type were made of stiff silk in monochrome or navy blue.

These colours, stiff silks and waist detail were evident at Prada, Araks and Carmen Marc Valvo.

Geta

SS13 Prada geta shoes

This season’s ‘I didn’t even know I needed them’ shoe controversy goes to Prada with their modern Geta.

Based on a traditional Japanese wooden thong sandal, Geta are re-imagined with a pale or metallic leather sock and worn optionally with a high flatform. Best avoided when you need to run for the bus.

Origami

Commes des Garcons origami SS13

If you’ve ever been bored enough to made a paper aeroplane, you know all about it. Literally the Japanese art of paper folding; such techniques showed in the intricate layered designs of Lanvin, Etro and Comme Des Garcons.

Eastern elegance nailed.

Sayonara, style seekers!

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