SS15 trend report: Asian fusion

31^st July 2015

Kea Bose

Kea Bose

31 July 2015

Although London, New York and Paris are the fashion capitals of the world designer’s minds were travelling east for inspiration this season. Hints from the Japanese cherry-blossom prints to the Kimono waist ties were apparent all over at Marni, Gucci and Matthew Williamson.

Perhaps the most interesting take of the middle eastern dress with shown at Marni where Asian silhouettes were taken and exaggerated to a stunning effect. Wide culottes were balanced out with broad angular shoulders protruding from the body; waists were pulled in tightly with Obi belts to even out the look. This was used in both wearable plain block colours of monotone and pink but also some intricate, bold silk patterns matched with chunky eastern jewellery.

Gucci created impressive, beautiful exotic botanic prints on sheer silk in earthly tones of beige, orange and green, red and purple. The lengths were kept short and plunging V-necks showed off some of the pale model’s chests whereas others were concealed by shrouds of fabric wrapped into a high-neck geisha style dress.

Matthew Williamson incorporated the ever so popular 70s bohemian style, which was bound to occur sooner or later. Around that time both designers, like Yves Saint Laurent, and hippies were taking style inspiration from the middle east due to the new jetset travel; so the 70s revival trend ties in nicely with Asian fusion. Williamson paired bright flared trousers with blossomed chiffon blouses and floral skirts with sheer pale blouses. The wildest, and most impractical, design was likely this suede pair of flares with matching suede kimono top, appliquéd with cherry blossom.

Kea Bose