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By Isabella Redmond Styles
POSTED March 9, 2011
Shiatzy Chen Gets Inspired By The
Traditional Chinese ‘Treasure Kit’ for Fall
Traditional Chinese ‘Treasure Kit’ for Fall
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For fall/winter 2011 Shiatzy Chen was inspired by the traditional Chinese ‘treasure kit,’ a small purse that originated over 2,000 years ago. Chen’s show notes explained that ‘traditionally,
numerous ethnic groups across China bear the treasure kit, representative of various emotional and auspicious meanings. It is the varying intricate embroidery and embellishment found
on the purses that reveals China’s diverse historical and geographical background.’
There certainly were elements of Chen’s autumn 2011 showing that smacked of the historical. The first few looks centered around winter jackets ornately decorated with gold print and
trimmed with astrakhan, while the high collars and ruffles on the jewel tone dresses and skirts made sure to include Chen’s other influence, ‘lavish Edwardian elements.’ For a collection
that aimed to fuse two seemingly obscure points of reference, it’s accessibility came as something of a surprise. The rich color palette was luxurious enough to garner the attention of a
modern buyer and Chen’s simultaneous use of delicate embroidery and precise pleating on silky pieces in fuchsia and peacock blue brought Chen’s version of history into the present day.
Chen’s collection also presented less ornate pieces, perfect for everyday life - breezy silk shirts and a very simple tunic dress made elegant by the designer’s knack for embroidery. Print
was kept to a minimum; instead Chen added intrigue through juxtaposing textures such as fur, silk and tweed which added to the tribal element apparent in the collection. It was a pity that
Chen’s finale of evening gowns missed the mark, seeming out of proportion and unbalanced. Overall Chen produced a collection that was skillfully balanced, fusing Chinese heritage and
the modern world, rich colors and textures and the ornate with the everyday wearable. This collection is a treasure chest that every woman should have a key to.
numerous ethnic groups across China bear the treasure kit, representative of various emotional and auspicious meanings. It is the varying intricate embroidery and embellishment found
on the purses that reveals China’s diverse historical and geographical background.’
There certainly were elements of Chen’s autumn 2011 showing that smacked of the historical. The first few looks centered around winter jackets ornately decorated with gold print and
trimmed with astrakhan, while the high collars and ruffles on the jewel tone dresses and skirts made sure to include Chen’s other influence, ‘lavish Edwardian elements.’ For a collection
that aimed to fuse two seemingly obscure points of reference, it’s accessibility came as something of a surprise. The rich color palette was luxurious enough to garner the attention of a
modern buyer and Chen’s simultaneous use of delicate embroidery and precise pleating on silky pieces in fuchsia and peacock blue brought Chen’s version of history into the present day.
Chen’s collection also presented less ornate pieces, perfect for everyday life - breezy silk shirts and a very simple tunic dress made elegant by the designer’s knack for embroidery. Print
was kept to a minimum; instead Chen added intrigue through juxtaposing textures such as fur, silk and tweed which added to the tribal element apparent in the collection. It was a pity that
Chen’s finale of evening gowns missed the mark, seeming out of proportion and unbalanced. Overall Chen produced a collection that was skillfully balanced, fusing Chinese heritage and
the modern world, rich colors and textures and the ornate with the everyday wearable. This collection is a treasure chest that every woman should have a key to.
