Eastern Style of Josie Natori Fall 2012

Ancient art met modern zen for the Josie Natori presentation at the Rubi Museum of NYC.  The designer known mainly for intimate apparel brought out a retro Mongolian-inspired collection with deep black, cream and red colors.

The kimono was clearly a muse, as variations on the silhouette were interpreted in several ways.  Soft and built around the shoulder, or as an exaggerated jacket to accentuate sleeves.  While the looks clearly referenced traditional clothing items of Chinese and Japanese origin, Ms. Natori drew from that to create a fresh sportswear collection with bold Asian prints on chic black backgrounds.

Dark vamp lipstick was paired with 1920's waves or 1930's curls.  Accessories included feathered fans and fan pleated clutch handbags.

The presentation of having coiffed models saunter down a spiral staircase really helped to create drama.  It was like watching 1930's screen goddesses materialize out of an opium daze into daylight.  Beautiful!


Photos by Ching Leung
 

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Fabulous Headpieces of the Chinese New Year Parade

It's the Year of the Dragon.  Look out for a baby boom from those who celebrate the Lunar New Year.  On Sunday afternoon, NYC's Chinatown was host to a glorious display of cultural pageantry to celebrate the big holiday.

While you can usually count on colorful processions of dancing dragons and confetti canons, most people don't looks to the streets as a runway for great hairpieces and hats.  Some spectators wore  classic embellished chopsticks.  While riders on the floats donned millinery made from flowers, pearls, fur and jewels.

The Easter parade in New York has always been a showcase for flamboyant chapeaux, but this is street fashion with a little more depth. The accessories here were worn in tribute to the tribes and performing arts of China.  A fortuitous occasion indeed.

Photos by Mariana Leung

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