FROM CHINA WITH LOVE highlights the dynamic energy coursing through the Chinese society today. By reinterpreting the ancient civilisation’s grand traditions, Shanghai Tang presents a new sense of modern luxury.
Proud of its Chinese identity, Shanghai Tang is both grounded in the rich traditions of China’s past and inspired by its exciting future. The new women’s wear, men’s wear and fine accessories collections offer contemporary pieces with subtle references to the latest trends and bespoke-quality details.



TREASURE CHEST
Shanghai Tang delves into China’s cultural treasures as the country gradually transforms from conservative grounding to progressive sophistication. “Treasure Chest” draws from diverse inspirations, from the riches of the historic Silk Road to the craftsmanship of contemporary ethnic minorities. An autumnal palette of muted brights, such as terracotta and raspberry pink reference the brilliant hues of Qiang and Miao tribal costumes and traditionally Islamic colours from Xinjiang province.
The opulent artefacts of the merchants, princesses and missionaries who travelled along the Silk Road are beautifully represented throughout the collection. The “Treasure Chest” print reinterprets intricate cloisonné, one of China’s highest art forms, as a tiny floral motif. “Chinese Lantern” is a festive print, inspired by the lanterns used for celebrations and to welcome guests. Playing with proportions, the small lantern motifs double as berries and flowers.
Key looks include the new Bohemian-inspired pleated silk trousers, paired with the “Officer” silk blouse with jade buttons. New skirt lengths are introduced, including below-the-knee options. Modern interpretations of the classic qipao for Autumn/Winter feature elegant draping and shirring around the waist, as well as interesting mixing of prints and solid colour panels.



METAMORPHOSIS
As Autumn transitions to Winter, the palette darkens from sophisticated brights to blues, purples, browns and blacks.
“Vintage Screen” conveys the richness of Chinese screens with China’s favourite flowers, peonies, geometric lattice patterns, and a shimmering, vintage feel. “Rice Field” offers an abstract vision of terraced rice fields with a graduated effect; and “Phoenix Tattoo” evokes the rich, all-over embroidery of antique garments with phoenix, cloud, butterfly, peony, and lucky ball motifs.
Key pieces include new outerwear options for cooler weather. For example, “Officer” belted coats and jackets reflect fashion’s continuing obsession with this particular styling.



URBAN WARRIORS
The sombre Urban Warrior palette of dark blues, purples, browns and blacks recalls the inky tones of tribal tattoos. A special attention to surface textures intensifies the wintry mood, contrasting matte against metallic, light against dark.
Tribal influences have been transformed into technologically-advanced prints and embroidery details. “Mystic Lace” combines the tribal Ikat prints of Western China with delicate lace, an Autumn/Winter trend, in tattoo ink colours with additional references to natural vines and rocks.
Shearling is essential for Winter 2011, and is styled as chic, high-collared jackets and lush coats with hand-embroidered tribal motifs.

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