Tibetan inspiration
Shanghai Tang’s Autumn/Winter 2012 collection takes on qualities of an untamed beauty in a mix of designs.
FROM the breathtaking landscapes and the impressive cultural heritage of the Tibetan highlands, comes Shanghai Tang’s inspiration for its Autumn/Winter 2012 collection, Dragon Plateau. With a venture into a nomadic world of spirituality, subtlety and nature, the brand juxtaposes the location’s purest elements with its wild allure.
In this context, Shanghai Tang’s latest apparel and accessories draw from the fascinating mix of qualities and ornamental designs of Tibet, as the brand puts forth an idea of fashion purity, originality and opulence.
The women’s collection evokes the life and nature of the mountains. For example, in the Savage Beauty range, animal prints and metallic bronze textures are mixed with splashes of turquoise. The combination results in a presentation of bold pieces. Different prints from the range such as
Contemporary Tiger and Tiger In The Mist have the effects of a feminine camouflage. The River print, however, recalls the water sources that run down from the pristine Tibetan mountains.
Shanghai Tang is also paying tribute to the sacred way of life in colours of sun-scorched scarlet, burgundy and yellow in the Sacred
Robes range of pieces. These hues are reminiscent of a Buddhist monk’s robes and tell of a balance between opulence and piety.
The different designs from the brand’s women-swear communicate a symbolism of strength. The Sacred Wall print refers to the walls of temples dramatically set on the sides of mountains, which, amazingly have survived the harsh Tibetan climate. There is also the Mosaic print that depicts lotus, peony and waves – a blend of the graceful Chinese heritage and Tibetan culture. There is a variety in the different pieces that someone can look out for in the Autumn/Winter 2012 collection from Shanghai Tang. Sophisticated silk blouses, wrap dresses, modern qipaos, leather jackets and luxurious sweater tops are just some of the essentials for the new season.
Not forgotten are of course the accessories. The popular Mongolian hobo bag – an iconic piece of Shanghai Tang – reappears in even more colours and finishes, such as supple deer skin or snake-embossed fine leather. Lush scarves are showcased too in a wide array of cashmere, silk and wool blends. For the jewellery range, the brand balances ancient Chinese symbols with contemporary pop influences. Shanghai Tang collaborates in this regard with Parisian designer, Shourouk to present gorgeous pieces fitted with faux pearls, enamelled stones and crystals.
For the men’s collection, Shanghai Tang highlights a stark simplicity in its designs. Clean lines are one of the trends for menswear this season. A muted palette of greys, khakis and olive tones are abundant in slim cuts for the Radical Neutrality range. These include pieces such as jackets, vests and pullovers in varying designs.
The brand also offers a burst of energy in pieces that speaks of zesty prints and colour. The
Hyperculture range is described as a mash-up of different heritage influences as well as cultural references. Created with an anything-goes ethos and a Bohemian feel, the collection for menswear takes on a variety of colours but with sleek designs – an aesthetic that proves to be a pull.
The Shanghai Tang Autumn/Winter 2012 pieces are priced from RM150. The collection is now available at Shanghai Tang’s boutique located in Pavilion Kuala Lumpur.