Remember that ’60s phenomenon you learned about in school called the “British Invasion”? Rock and pop from the UK flooded the United States’ music scene, resulting in a fashion frenzy of British style.
Now, in 2014, a global fascination with all things China is extending to the US. As the Asian market becomes increasingly more important to the business of fashion, top designers, models, consumers, and businesses are adapting the elegant Asian-inspired trend.
This spring, the Costume Institute at the Metropolitan Museum of Art will stage “Chinese Whispers: Tales of the East in Art, Film and Fashion,” an exhibition that dives into the influence of China on creativity, from fashion and costume to paintings and art.
The galleries will focus on fashions from the 1700s to present, including over 100 couture and ready-to-wear garments from Imperial China. It will also feature more than over 100 styles inspired by Chinese culture including pieces from famous designers and labels such as Alexander McQueen, Tom Ford, Jean Paul Gaultier, Marc Jacobs, Anna Sui, Drives van Noten, and Valentino.
The exhibit will also draw on themes from Chinese opera and films. Several looks from performer Mei Langfang’s original costumes will be displayed. Wong Kar-wai, an acclaimed Chinese filmmaker will act as artistic director, drawing inspiration from his notable film “In the Mood for Love.”
So what will this look like? Think deep hues in black and navy on lavish traditional Asian silhouettes. Layers with belts create a look of structure and sophistication. Origami flowers, colorful kimonos, judo jackets, and traditional motifs have inspired new looks for seasonal coats.
Now when you’re sitting in a class discussion debating China’s economic growth and manufacturing power, you can make a contribution regarding China’s influence on other aspects of global culture—fashion specifically.