getting dressed: chinese-themed (?)

I am almost always turned off by anything overtly Chinese-themed, decorated with Chinese characters, calligraphy, dragons, pandas, bamboo, bright colored embroidery, jade, etc. China is rooted in thousands of years of history, but these stereotypical images do not define what China is today. Chinese people are very proud of their heritage and culture, but that doesn't mean that they want these images plastered everywhere. As China's global standing as a superpower rises, the Chinese continue to embrace the West. But the use of the same stereotypical images over and over again just perpetuates the perception that China is still stuck in the past.

This post was inspired by Ralph Lauren's Fall 2011 womenswear collection. He opened the show with Chinese model Sui He, and as each look that made its way down the runway, the Chinese theme was incorporated in different elements: bold red lips, jade earrings, red shoes, embroidered silk tops, statement necklaces, cheongsam (traditional dress), silk dresses, gold dragons... I thought to myself, "Why would a quintessential American brand produce such tacky Chinese-inspired designs?" Okay, I get it -- Ralph Lauren is trying to appeal to the increasingly important wealthy Chinese consumer. But by taking the "East Meets West" theme very literally, the collection fell flat and was a hot mess. This collection was reminiscent of Chanel's Pre-Fall 2010 collection that showed in Shanghai, which consisted of similar tacky elements. Ralph Lauren's collection was more Chinese than Vivienne Tam's, and that's saying something. At least Vivienne Tam's collection was subtle, chic, and tasteful.

Note to Ralph Lauren (and other designers): Careless use of jade, red and embroidery is surely not the way to the wealthy Chinese consumer's heart.

Ralph Lauren Fall 2011: