In an airy, muslin-draped New York showroom Shanghai Tang previewed their From China With Love collection (for men and women) hangs expectantly from clothing racks. Shoes and handbags are arranged on tables, waiting to be judged. Macaroons are offered and the games begin.
The accessories first. Slouchy leather bags in black, plum, and tan feature leather braiding (along the sides of one bag, or used as handles in the aptly named braid hobo) and jade beads. A red silk clutch is embellished with a large jade bead spilling red fringe. Leather boots and booties have asian inspired frog closures, like those found on cheong-sams and jackets. Colorful scarves are woven with designs inspired by ancient Chinese tradition, and would lovely wound around the neck over t-shirtsand v-necked sweaters, or draped over a jacket. perfect for running to NYFW, no?
Standouts from the women's wear included bright casmere sweaters with asian necklines, and a gorgeous shearling jacket with hand-embroiderd back. Soft to the touch, the jacket adds edge and femininity on one class move. padding in the shoulders and a nipped waist call to mind Claude Montana's jackets of the 80s. the 'vintage screen' silk jacquard coat is a sophisticated topcoat in beep blues and ruby reds, a perfect way to add shine to a pencil skirt and blouse when temperatures dip. Add the 'bealvedes' statement necklace for evening. From the East Village to the Upper West Side, these pieces can go anywhere.
The Shanghai Tang collection can be purchased at www.shanghaitang.com
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