Vacation in China

Sorry, I've been gone for a while.  I just traveled all over China - to Beijing, Xi'an, Guilin, Yangshuo, Hong Kong, and Shanghai.  Here are some pictures from my vacation.  Click to enlarge.

wedges in 2046

Does anyone know the designer of the wedges that Faye Wong's character wore in the movie, 2046?

Etro - Fall 2010

interesting chinoiserie in Etro's Fall 2010 collection.  I prefer the chinoiserie in Chanel's pre-fall 2010 show, but Etro's designs are not bad at all. 

  

Chanel goes to Shanghai: Pre-fall 2010 Collection.

Here are some of my favorite looks from the show.  The show took place on a 280 foot long barge on the Huangpu River with the skyline of Shanghai in the background.  For the most part, I like Chanel's modernized approach in styling traditional Chinese garments.  Chanel's combination of tweed, silk embroidery, jewels, and leather takes the already-refined cheongsam to an edgy new level of sophistication by integrating unexpected Western parts (the tweeds and leathers) into Chinese-inspired apparel.

       

I will admit that I hate Chanel's use of the coolie hat in its fashion show.  Why is a French couture fashion house embracing this symbol of abject rural poverty?  The coolie hat ruined some otherwise chic outfits in Chanel's pre-fall 2010 runway show.  For reference, see image to the left.


Sybaritic note to self: I need the red sequined Chanel purse.

First Asian Model To Ever Appear in Victoria's Secret Fashion Show

Liu Wen is Chinese, 5'10," and an aspiring teacher who also happened to walk the runways in the fashion shows of top designers such as Dolce & Gabbana, Alexander McQueen, Alexander Wang, Chloe, Lanvin, and Anna Sui.  This 21 year old Chinese supermodel actually looks her age, unlike many unbelievably prepubescent-looking Chinese models.  Below, she is rocking her complicated metal lingerie for Victoria's Secret notwithstanding the tackiness of the sheet metal design or the failed attempt by VS to produce alluring futuristic underthings.

I think her makeup looks better in the following photoshoot entitled "Across the River" with art direction, styling, and costume design by Sean Kunjambu.

How China (and I) See the World

I would say The Economist cover above accurately portrays the current balance of world powers from a socioeconomic and infrastructural perspective.  Today, most Chinese cities are, without a doubt, more glamorous and more technologically advanced than major American and European cities.  Despite the Communist government, China had 364,000 millionaires at the end of 2008 - a millionaire population surpassed only by the United States, Japan, and Germany.

What especially amuses me about the map above is the depiction of a dysfunctional, barren America heavily in debt, with foreclosed homes for sale; Wall Street falling through a huge crack; and Lady Liberty shamelessly soliciting other nations to "please give generously."  Nothing appears to be happening in Canada.  The only notable event in South America seems to be the active bulldozing of the rainforest.  While the Americas may appear useless for the most part to the Chinese, Africa seems like a land of opportunity with its abundant minerals and oil reserves.  Also, multitudes of wealthy Chinese women will continue to rely on Europe for its luxury goods - most notably, Prada and Hermes (Birkin bag, starting at approximately  USD $5000).    

Click on the images above and below to view the full-size pictures.

For reference, Victoria Beckham carries a Hermes Birkin, as pictured below.  I adore her RM by Roland Mouret dress.