Porcelain and Hokusai.

   Different from western art colors, the color palettes from Asian traditional art are quite gentle and grizzle. Generally, western classical art presents a perspective of  a realistic world, in the opposite way, eastern art presents a decorative emotional world. Until recently two hundreds years, under the era of culture mixing, different art styles start to influence each other, many new styles came. During the culture mixing age, Japanese art absorbed a lot of western elements and exported their cultures and attitudes to the west at the same time, therefore, more and more european artists were inspired by Japanese art, such as Van Gogh and Monet because of the eastern ease of flow when it comes to brush work and imagination which seemed to be less bounded by the reality of what we see with our eyes and more free threw the power of imagination.   

   As one of the most important icons of Ukiyo-e style, Katsushika Hokusai insisted on drawing hundreds even thousands arts under the bad situations. If you talk about The Fuji Mountain, you also will talk about his arts. I went to visit Hokusai's exhibition in Berlin last autumn, I am surprised actually his character illustrations works are even more impressive than his landscape drawings. A real master could draw anything perfectly.This look pays tribute to this respectful master, Hokusai. Also“The Great Wave off Kanagawa” is one of my favorite from his works.

  I have to say that also I have never seen an artist create so many studies of life threw his sketch books. There was no space empty in his books, all spaces were occupied by some kind of study (drawing) of an animal, plant, insect, or mechanical or even landscape studies. This shows that you have to draw and study life every day non stop to become a master, but this applies to all fields of Design. You train you mind to become specialized at certain tasks. One person can be amazing at Match but Useless in Design, vice versa. It should inspire all to be as Hokusai was, to really throw one self deep into ones passions. 

  

Shirt by Zara

Skirt by SYM

Tights by Bebaroque

Antique japanese gardener uniform from Enishi

Heels by Topshop

Illustration by Nancy.Z

Photography by Ajdin.B

 The well-known series from Hokusai-36 views of Mount Fuji.

          Japanese antique/coffee shop- Enishi

The photo shoots at a really nice japanese antique/coffee shop, the porcelain  and other collections all from Edo to Showa era. 

Mature urban chic or sweet urban geek?

    I used to work in the office before, but I think I am not a office person. Yet many office ladies have almost the same question everyday, which is....How could we look cool without over dressing in the office? Sexy urban chic or sweet urban geek? Or just try to have neutral style? My answer will be: To pick a style which is really suitable of you.

   MarcCain's 12-13FW lookbook gives a good example of 70s elegant office lady looks. The newest season keeps the classic shape but with a lot of detail. I have to say that some from these pictures are not only trendy but also it reminds me very much of secret agent or some kind of spy. Anyway, in fashion histories, some things are always changing, somethings are never changed. Slim trousers /dress, pencil skirt are the basic items for the office, but accessories could make the whole outfit looks quite different, if you want to be suave, a gentleman's hat may help you; if you want to be mature and attractive, try to mix some animal prints; if you want to be simple but unique, try to put some colorful details on... There are many different way to present yourself. Mix-matching is such a fun thing-don't take it too serious. Just remember be yourself, confidences are the biggest secret weapon of urban office ladies. 

   

Illustration & Copyright by www.xiaoxizhang.com (Nancy)

A spring with crayon colors

    Warm spring is the best season for listening to musics, drinking tea/ coffee, reading, thinking and enjoy this lovely weather. Those trees blossoms look like they are painted by crayon colors, all the lively colors are coming back. So why don't we dress something like a soft crayon paintings for this spring?   The theme of this time is " A spring with crayon colors",  a little bit 20s elegant casual style, but in a modern way. Recently I have been as you can tell inspired a lot by the 20's era. I like this type of style a lot, it became short and chic because of dancing to the tunes of Jazz. Quick movements merged into slow ones as lovers on the dance floor hold one another and become one, similar to love making. This type of outfit you can really feel elegant, somehow feeling encapsulated in grace, a sense of style that is not easy to match. I do hope I can take more pictures with this type of 20s style at a real Jazz/Blues bar, a night shot! 

Outfit by Philosophy di Alberta Ferretti

Heels by ASOS

Illustration by Nancy.Z

Photography by M.Yu

Sicilian sunshine.

     If I ask you which brand keeps South Italian culture completely, I think you will answer Dolce and Gabbana without any doubt.  Sicilian cultures inspirations are the most important character of DG, glamour like sunshine, attractive like flowers, classic like Sicilian women.  The newest FW designs continue from the men's wear(many times men's collection could be a concept of woman's line...), presents 17-18 century Sicilian Baroque's architectures cultures. And I could say it was one of the most impressive shows during FW fashion weeks.

     It is a perfect architecture and fashion's combination. They keep the classic sicilian royal lady's look, embroideries were inspired by carvings;prints were inspired by oil paintings; dress designs from woolen cross stitch carpets, capes from the dark velvet curtains, those lovely angel decorations could be your earrings...the inspirations from every part of the baroque architecture. Which elements could present a country's character and culture perfectly? Textiles and architectures. And they made them all.

       

Illustration and photo by Nancy.Z

Inspiration references from google pictures.

show pictures from Style.com

At the Showroom- these details are totally impressive.

         At  the showroom of men's wear...Actually I would love to see women wearing it as well.

           Inspirations- Sicilian's Baroque.