Orientalism

I have a friend here in Hawai'i that is pretty fascinated with orientalism. As in, it comes up with her ALL the time (although I guess it's not that hard to see wisps of orientalism in Hawai'i, the culture of which is profoundly influenced by the asian-american encounter). I tolerate it in the same way she tolerates my fondness for talk of produce, action/adventure soundtracks, and a constant, unwavering, absolutely inescapable tendency toward lateness.

Would she have socially-loaded orientalism-founded criticisms to offer regarding this new asian-inspired styles trend? probs.

What made me first really realize the East was In (or rather, In AGAIN - what it ever really Out? Am I even making sense anymore?) ASOS' East Meets West feature: Loveee the kimono inspired cape-like overwear, and I think the huge vibrant color splashes (while not something I'd be into myself) are interesting takes on styles that I usually associate with an atmosphere evoking the chill, unobtrusive and organic (neutral tones, minimal designs, simple details).

ASOS is also telling me that this is kimono-inspired... which I'm not really sure I agree with but - how fabulous is it??? It's the type of thing I would call a 'piece'. It stands alone, it's interesting without being over the top; in short, it carries an outfit - a sturdy, solid foundation, with an art-school-esque flair that makes it distinct. How to accessorize it would be the real fun! How not to drown it out, or turn it into an explosion of tasteless sensory overstimulation? How to complement the creative unorthodoxy without making it look like stage costume? Sigh. If only these were the types of first world problems that filled my life...

Here are some asian-inspired threads from Louis Vuitton (again with the technicolor...not sure I'm into that). None of these are really things I'm lusting after, but they're definitely interesting. I like how they don't just pull from the cliche cape-y kimono look and instead delve into the more traditionally masculine styles. Some pieces remind me of the stern lone samurai's boxy ensemble in a Kurosawa movie.





And all this reminded me of Liv Tyler's chic kimono robe from the Two Towers premiere back in 2002 (anyone else remember seeing this in Vogue way back when?). First of all, Liv Tyler is beautiful and always wears everything so well with her rock-and-roll-goes-sweet thing. But this classy, understated, exotic silky piece looks especially good with her pink cheeks and elvish(!) eyes.



And the beautiful satin-y Gucci kimonos from 2003. Love this ad campaign!



Overall, I'm wary of getting TOO into the 'insert-culture'-ally inspired. It can get costume-y. And caricature-y. I hated Amidala's overly-oriental costumes because they just seemed like comic book versions of historical earth clothing. Large and loud, yes - but done and seen before. I LOVE the SW costume designer Trisha Biggar, but I love her best when her designs are these amazing blends of a lot of influences, all seamless merging together into one absolutely other-worldy work of art.


Which is why I was such a fan of the gowns with a little more variance and obscurity in the mix. Or maybe the clothing being referenced just aren't as widely distributed in mainstream media so it's harder to pinpoint its origin to one specific country? Check this mad mix of African and Elizabethan lines/accessories or this Mongolian-inspired headpiece.

On another note, why don't we see more references to the gorgeous-insane thai spike helmets? I want more of that. Here's a teeny shot from Ong Bak 2, which features - rather inexplicably, actually - a lot of gorgeous Thai dancing and elaborate ancient Thai clothing.

And of course, what would an asian clothing post be without a couple utterly breathtaking wuxia motion pic shots? No one does spectacle like the Chinese filmmakers! Zhang Yimou's mindbendingly gorgeous House of Flying Daggers with the equally unreal Ziyi Zhang, and regal Gong Li from his Curse of the Golden Flower (as visually stunning as House of Flying Daggers, but much less enjoyable to watch...) in opulent period robes.



I am so getting lost and swoony in the luxe, flowy asian styles right now - such a departure from the somewhat-stuffy olde European styles we're so used to seeing in historical pictures. Let's just make sure we don't end up making like my elementary teachers and opting for these vaguely-asian-inspired patchwork sack dress two-pieces....

Random Asian-y shot! Here's a waaaay old picture of Ruthanne and me at the beautiful Byodo-In temple (location for 'Korea' in the show Lost) at valley of the Temples looking utterly style-less in our play-tourist clothes. Maybe we need a refresher pic in front of it when the girls visit at the end of this month...?