SHIATZY CHEN SCORES AGAIN WITH VIBRANT EAST-WEST MIX

A fiery red Chen design- 2013

Shiatzy Chen has done it again, setting the standard for colour, elegance and boldness all combined, during Paris Fashion Week.

The show started with cool, catchy French music about the Eiffel tower, but a few seconds later, a Chinese beat entered just as the models began their glide down the catwalk. From the first design of stunning Asian fabrics mixed with a Western cut, oohs and aahs escaped from the audience.

Bright colours such as orange, green, gold, and turquoise were incorporated onto leather, fur and silk, and finished with a lace edging or an ornate brooch.

An all-black piece with dazzling necklace

There was black too, but always with an eye-catching, dazzling accessory  or an audacious necklace. Other times,  the layered outfit was in one colour, such as red, and blended exuberance with grace.

In this Fall/Winter 2013-2014 ready-to-wear collection, designer Chen played with materials and tapestries inspired from the Tang Dynasty – a prosperous period for China lasting for over 300 years – and fitted in Western tailoring, accessories and shoes.

Each creation was always topped off (or bottomed off) with a variety of footwear, including patent-leather knee-high boots, high-heeled lace-up booties, pumps, or peep-toes.

Some of the designs were complemented by a jade and gold brooch in the shape of a stallion, diamond necklaces, or bejewelled clutches. - J.M. DE CLERCQ & L. MCKENZIE

Red Chen one-shoulder dress with bejeweled pin