It was like an unconventional crash course in the Peranakan culture ladled out in enjoyable doses of fashion for WardrobeTrendsFashion.com when we attended an exclusive preview of Shanghai Tang’s Autumn/Winter 2009 Ready to Wear Collection.
This time round, Shanghai Tang gets pointers from the Straits Chinese and their distinctively flamboyant fashion, and further distils the Peranakan theme through the prismatic lens of modern visual styles.
Fittingly titled “Kaleidoscope”, the clothes reverberate Peranakan culture, particularly through the nature, cubism and art deco inspirations.
Traditional Peranakan motifs, such as bamboo and floral batik designs, are incorporated and embroidered into blouses, qipaos and trench coats, while the geometric “Bauhaus” print weaved with the symbol for longevity “shou” was inspired by the cubism movement.
Men’s wear on the contrary features bold coats and shirts adopting a more military look softened with Mandarin collars and accessorizing cashmere scarves.
But perhaps one look summarizes the collection neatly: the titular “Kaleidoscope” print sees a heady mix of different batik and Peranakan jewelry motifs, illustrating the diverse elements housed under a singular collection.
Executive Chairman Raphaël le Masne de Chermont introduces the Shanghai Tang’s Autumn/Winter 2009 Ready to Wear Collection
