HUSSEIN CHALAYAN PREVIEW -RTW S/S 2011 PARIS FASHION WEEK

There’s more to inspire fashion from Japan than kimonos, obis and Harajuku girls. Hussein Chalayan dug deep into the island nation’s rich culture, from its isolationist Sakoku period — “from 1633 to 1853,” the designer pinpointed — to its poetry and theatre traditions. “It’s my take on the surrealist spirit of Japan,” said Chalayan, who showcased his collection in a 13-minute film that climaxed with visible puppeteers fluttering the handkerchief hems of a summery gown in floral chiffon. While the premise was conceptual, it yielded fetching and feminine clothes, with simple-yet-clever details on white shirts — cape-like sleeves or swishing gussets at the hem — and ultra-modern vests and jackets. Shift dresses came in a range of watery pastels, embellished with gentle draping across the bodice.(via wwd)