I’ve always had a fondness for the wonders of the Orient. As a child of 5 years old, I travelled to Japan and remember thinking that ancient Kyoto was the most wonderful thing I had ever seen (in my then brief years). My mother collected ancient Oriental artefacts and Japanese silks and kimonos as old as Tokyo itself that would conjure up images of ancient Oriental dynasties each time I gazed upon them.
I have returned to Asia several times as an adult*, and I can still feel the same wonderous affinity towards it’s ancient secrets and traditional style. I know of few small acts more luxurious than slipping on my favourite intricately embroidered black silk kimono robe after a long bath, or transferring the style to everyday wearability by throwing a 1930s short kimono top (in the softest blush pink, printed with black sakura branches) over a plain black tank top and skinny jeans.
Chanel Paris/Shanghai collection 2010
And while the above Chanel treasures are now completely sold out (even at $11,000 a pop…), oh what I wouldn’t do for a bag in the shape of a noodle box or China doll or a pearl-breathing jade dragon bangle!
So if you can’t fill your wardrobe with Chanel’s Chinese-infused accessories or take a trip on the Orient Express yourself, why not take inspiration from the lovely ladies below and inject a touch of luxurious exoticism via some Geisha-like dolly pink cheeks, or a Kimono style top worn over your regular day or evening attire. I promise you’ll feel all the more luxurious for it.
So tell me, is your home and wardrobe inspired by your travels?
Love, Miss B xx
* The Clever Boyfriend did his Masters at Tokyo University and so, while I missed him terribly, I relished the excuse to travel to Japan as often as I was able.
Oh I so know what you mean…I love japanese aesthetics in general… Always so simple and delicate. I know that by now it’s a cliche but still so so so beautiful.
M
That doll is soooo cute!!!
anything with a chanel sign is awesome. my nbest friend is chinese and i love their dresses!!
for me i guess it was hong kong! we were always going to visit my grandparents and extended family who live there, and you can’t help but feel inspired by all those tall buildings and “fragrant harbours” and the mix or orient and west and old and new.. love it!
X
They are soooo darling! I mean to ask you, have you seen the Chanel Black Velvet nail polish? Now that looks great! I looked for it when I went overseas last week but didn’t see it but I thought “I bet B has tried it!” 🙂
My favourite pieces of clothing are all from my travels…and I wish I was traveling more so I could do more shopping!
Ahh, a girl after my own heart!
B xx
they’re sooo cute! I want everything hehe 😀
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You’re lucky you got to experience Japan at such a young age and that your mother had so many treasures that she passed on to you!
I still use the yukata I brought back from Tokyo as a bathrobe every day.
Really love that Take Away bag!
Speaking of Asia, I was looking through my photo album of our trip to Bali last night as we are thinking of a return visit! Most memorable time was your birthday at Jimbaran Bay and getting serenaded by that cute band! x
That silk jumpsuit that Ashley is wearing is amazing….
….Megan
Oh I loveeeee the takeaway containers! if only I were extravagant enough to purchase one. I don’t think I could ever do it. No matter how cute they are… I like the idea of the traditional cardboard takeaway container… it’s some kind of trashy wonderful.
I promise I will be commenting a lot more now that I’ve a bit more free time on my hands hun.
xx
awww….that colllage is sooo cute! very Asian Chinesey indeed:)
Cinz
http://cinzee.wordpress.com
ah i love this post. im a japanese fashion fan its actually my passion my whole blog is about japanese fashion. as much as i love chanel i much prefer genuine japanese designers like hanae mori, yohji yamamoto and brands like gilfy and emoda im off to japan this summer 🙂