Orientalism taking hold in fashion and interior designs

Take the cue from the Yves Saint Laurent Museum in Paris which has just launched “Yves Saint Laurent: Dreams of the Orient” as its first temporary exhibition since its opening in October 2017.

The exhibition - running from October 2, 2018 to January 27, 2019 - brings together some 50 haute couture dresses inspired by India, China and Japan from the museum’s collection, presented for the first time alongside ancient Asian artifacts loaned by the National Museum of Asian Arts, as well as private collectors, to offer authentic context to the collection’s historical influences.

All things inspired by cultures of the orient are presently having an influence in fashion as well as interior designs as evidenced in two of the latest wall-coverings launched this Autumn by British brand Fromental.  Known for their high-end couture approach to wallpapers and fabrics, Fromental's new ranges have been inspired by oriental cultures and focused the brand's bespoke approach with the use of hand embroidery and hand painting.

Above, as shown at a launch event set up at Centre Point in London was one of
the colourways of the Kiku wallcovering from Fromental.
Table lamps shown on shelves in the temporary installation are some of the new launches
from Gestalt's latest collection.
Photo © Lucia Carpio 2018

Kiku for example draws much of its inspiration from the Japanese art and Europe's infatuation with form.

The Kiku design combines hand-painting and screen-printed details in a beautiful
panelled wallcovering, hand-painted onto paper-backed silk.

Separately also from the new range is a new colourway in their Cibar design.

Cibar wall covering on display at the launch event held in the Centre Point, an iconic 1960s building, being developed into luxury residences in the heart of London. Wall lamps shown at the same event are 

from Gestalt's latest collection.

Photo © Lucia Carpio 2018

According to Fromental, Cibar is the epitome of mastery in design, representing hundreds of hours of refined skill and craftsmanship.

With its detailed painting, silk background and embroidered motifs, Cibar is a modern take on 19th Century Chinoiserie.

Photo © Lucia Carpio 2018

In Cibar, the shifts between layered detail and open negative space, lead the eye through the compostition.  Note the hand-painted and hand-embroidered silk detailing.  Master artisans work in Fromental's studio in Suzhou, China, a city traditionally known for the production of silk and imperial embroidery.

Fromental is currently exhibiting in two galleries in London:  Lorfords Antiques and Talisman Gallery.  The brand founded in 2005 by partners Tim Butcher and Lizzie Deshayes who often collaborate with international clients to create customised designs.

A collection of 30 Japanese Kokashi dolls (1930s - 1970s) as spoted at the Autumn Decorative Antiques & Textiles Fair which put Japonisme in the spotlight at the latest edition held at Battersea Park, south London.
Photo © Lucia Carpio 2018

At the Autumn 29018 edition of the Decorative Antiques & Textiles Fair that took place 2 - 7 October at Battersea Park, south London, a themed Foyer Stand at the entrance demonstrated the infuence of Japonisme on European interiors.  On display were examples of Glasgow School and Aesthetic Period British furniture, secessionist designs from Austria, Art Nouveau decorative arts and mid-century pieces, alongside a small selection of 20th century and contemporary Japanese works.

Two Japanese silk cushions with hand embroidery on printed ground showed
by Bleu Anglais at the Decorative Antiques & Textiles Fair.
Photo © Lucia Carpio 2018

Kazuhito Takadoi from Nagoya, Japan works with a wide range of materials: grass, gold leaf, washi paper and sumi ink,  to create unique art work.  He was represented by Jaggedart London at the
Decorative Antiques & Textiles Fair.  Photo © Lucia Carpio 2018