by Niamh ODonoghue
05th Dec 2017
05th Dec 2017
To take influence from Eastern culture is not a new concept: but creating a wardrobe capsule that delicately balances tradition and modernity is. I was wowed earlier this year when Nicolas Ghesquiere, creative director at Louis Vuitton, took inspiration from the old Orient for this year’s Cruise Collection , which was as beautiful as it was ambitious. The mood had been set, and it wasn’t long after that other couture brands followed suit like Gucci, Kenzo and Etro, until it inevitably funnelled into our favourite high-street stores.
The trend is set to remain in high focus as we enter the new year. With that, here are four primary pieces that everyone should aspire to have in their wardrobes.
This satin blouse with frilled sleeve detailing, €39.95 at Zara
If you’re new to chinoiserie, this duck-green satin blouse is a fantastic starting point. The rich colour and high-sheen would trick any connoisseur into thinking that this is couture. The high collar – along with short full sleeves, and delicate covered button detailing along the collarbone – are subtle, yet intrinsic and distinctive qualities to The Oriental trend, making this high-street buy the perfect beginner option.
Blouse with frilled sleeve, €39.95 at Zara
This stunning oriental blazer with floral motif, €35 at Primark
Penney’s continue to deliver on good-quality, budget-friendly trends, and this jacquard floral motif blazer is a perfect example. Priced under €40, it combines a luxury finish and modern tailoring with beautiful and rich berry undertones. Did I mention it’s fully lined, too?
Jacquard suit blazer, €35 at Primark
This luxurious embroidered silk-satin kimono by Zuhair Murad, €11,760 at netaporter.com
The kimono is perhaps the most noticeable wardrobe affiliation to The Orient. This full-length silk-satin kimono by Zuhair Murad is incredibly lavish. The intricate pattern is filled with pastel-hued flowers and birds of paradise, with flecks of shimmering gold thread throughout highlighting how opulent they are. The soft blush hue is contrasted by a jolt of fuchsia at the cuffs. But, if you’re not yet ready to part ways with €11k, theoutnet.com has a gorgeous offering of high-quality kimonos at a fraction of the cost.
Zuhair Murad silk-satin kimono, €11,760 at netaporter.com
These satin mules with bow detailing, €35.95 at Mango.com
Mules continue to dominate the shoe scene and with so many tres-chic and luxurious pairs to choose from, it’s easy to see why. Don’t be put off by this fun, open-ended shoe: try yours with heavy denier coloured tights in mango or bottle green for an instant (and warmer) colour hit this winter.
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