Interior Trend: CHINOISERIE
In 2015 there was a lot of buzz leading up to "The First Monday In May," the documentary chronicling the entire year it took to craft 2015's Metropolitan Museum of Art Costume Institute exhibit and the lavish gala that accompanied it. There were some fascinating insights into the exhibit and gala's theme, China: Through The Looking Glass. Western eyes have drawn inspiration from “exotic” Asian images since the seventeenth century. With the opening of “China: Through the Looking Glass” at the Met, fashion historians—and filmmaker Wong Kar Wai, the exhibition’s artistic director—turned the mirror around to showcase how the western world has adopted the design, aesthetic and allure of the Orient.
"This exhibition explored the impact of Chinese aesthetics on Western fashion/design and how China has fueled the fashionable imagination for centuries. In this collaboration between The Costume Institute and the Department of Asian Art, high fashion is juxtaposed with Chinese costumes, paintings, porcelains, and other art, including films, to reveal enchanting reflections of Chinese imagery. From the earliest period of European contact with China in the sixteenth century, the West has been enchanted with enigmatic objects and imagery from the East, providing inspiration for fashion and design." - The Met
CHINOISERIE is a distinctive style that represents a romanticized version of Asia as imagined by Europeans in the 17th and 18th centuries. Known for its exotic elements, fantastical fauna, and unique foliage, this faux-Chinese element has the ability to go traditional or modern, thus making it a design classic.
"China’s influence on Western design can be traced all the way back to the silk trade between Asia and the Roman Empire, though the earliest European garment on view at the Met Gala—a bodice with pagodas woven into its pink silk brocade—dates from the eighteenth-century French craze for chinoiserie, something Karl Lagerfeld once passionately collected. “What I most loved were antique Chinese vases ‘mounted’ in France,” the designer says—glorious cultural hybrids, like many of his designs." - VOGUE
The New York Times Style Magazine (Sept. 2016)
Elle Decor (June 2017)
"While hand-painted wallpapers might spring to mind upon the mention of chinoiserie, it's not just home décor that is referencing the Orient. The celebration of Eastern influence on Western aesthetics translated to the catwalks, which in turn prompted a resurgence of Eastern-inspired opulence on the red carpet." -VOGUE
"Regardless of your home’s style, chinoiserie is a timeless addition that has the ability to conjure dreams of far away lands." - Andrea Schumacher Interiors
"Many of the grandest, most enviable rooms have one thing in common: hand-painted chinoiserie wallpaper. It’s a look that has enticed aesthetes for centuries." - Elizabeth Ingleses
"Lately around here, we have been discussing a lot about Feng Shui. As I learn more and more about the art of decorating for Chi + good energy flow throughout the home, I fall more in love with moments of chinoiserie. I can remember when I was young, black lacquer and brass chinoiserie screens, trays, items around the home were in such style. I loved that chic 90's vibe, and I am finding it inspiring harmony in a totally glam yet chic bohemian way. " - The Decorista
"The key to doing tacky chinoiserie well is getting the balance right. Just a pop is all you need, and that will make a major impact." - The Decorista
"In Chinese culture, this strong and elegant shade of red represents fire and symbolizes luck and success. It is used for wrapping presents and decorating important festivities. Chinese Red is more than a color; it is a wish of joy. One of 2017’s home decor color trends, it is energizing, stimulating and uplifting, and adds warmth and reinvigorates tired spaces." - Vivendo
"A symbol of luck and prosperity in Chinese culture, this vibrant hue is our top accent colour for 2017. Think glossy lacquered furniture and ornate wall coverings, plus start saving now for Vico Magistretti's bookcase, originally designed in 1977 and re-released this spring in red." -
"Invoking confidence, Chinese Red is a welcome addition to any home. Whether used sparingly or liberally, this vibrant hue adds character to carry you through the cold winter and beyond. In terms of design, there is much scope: from changing your living room curtains, to repainting an entire room, to adding a set of red dining chairs. (Yes, we have some if you’re interested.)" - Vivendo
For more CHINOISERIE inspiration, check out my PINTREST board as well as the board titled JAPAN STYLE.
