Designers have always looked into the far east for fashion inspiration as we have had kimonos, chinese dresses, prints and even wedge heeled shoes which originally came from China. It is the exotic, mysterious, understated glamour which pull deisgners back again and again, every other season. The patterns and style of clothing flatter and compliment many women’s curves and add an instant glamour with the silks and ribbon materials in which they are made. Oriental style never disappears from the fashion radar and is set to become a big trend again for the end of 2005 / beginning of 2006.

{mosimage}Topshop have a great range of kimono style dresses in black with gorgeous cream embroidering, japanese inspired silk cardigans which spice up any plain outfit, and beautiful full skirts, again with patterns which take you back in time to ancient China. All the materials are extravagant and indulging, making anyone wearing it look fab. Modern Oriental has taken Topshop stock by storm and has been predicted to be one of  2006’s early trends as it is ethnical but a world away from the gipsy, indian style we all adopted in the summer.

{mosimage}It scream sophistciation, mystery and is a dead cert to be on the tips of every fashionista’s lips next season. Be sure to see mini Geisha’s strolling down the catwalk and gracing all the magazines. It isn’t only Topshop who have embraced the far east, but new and up coming designer lable, Ramos Martin. Ramos Martin, aka, Richard and Phillip, have been in partnership for 3 years now and their creativity and  ability to relate to what women want in fashion has grown and judging by their new collection- they aren’t going anywhere in the near future other than  further up the fashion radar.

Their new collection is a mouth watering selection of light pastel coloured gems – set to be a big hit this upcoming spring/ summer – and feminine styles such as chiffon dresses, boob tub dresses and flowing skirts.

{mosimage}However, the main theme which dominated this new collection was the modern oriental chic which has been a hot favourite amongst fashionistas this season and is set to rule into next year. I personally am loving the oriental chic and love the floral patterns and the silk material and styles. Especially with the new film, Geisha coming out soon, I think that this trend will be a massive hit next year, and Ramos Martin as always, are spot on with their oriental inspired collection.{mosimage}

Styles include floral patterned silk cardigans, beige and coral coloured silk with peach floral pattern embroidering, wrap dresses, kimono style dresses and boob tube dresses which ooze sophistication and oriental glamour.

Skirts with a split detail teamed with beige silk slip tops and green / forest inspired dresses also shine out from the collection and should not be missed for 2006. These designs will look great for the party season ahead and will bring out your inner glamour puss.

{mosimage}Be sure to see all different types of oriental chic designs in all highstreet stores near you. Primark have already joined the bandwagon and have created a few great dresses and kimono style tops and shrugs, all low priced but get in there quick! Miss. Selfridge have a great selection as well as New Look and H&M.

Kyrsty Hazell

The Memoirs of Geisha is released in the UK on the 16th Jan 2006 – SONY pictures

Ramos Martin have exhibited in Paris since the last time I saw them and are doing really well and in the process in designing more beautiful creations as we speak.

If you are interested in finding out more or purchasing any items from the new collection, give them a call on 0208 293 3377 or email them on : info@ramosmartin.co.uk

To find out more on Topshop’s fab oriental collections, visit their website on:  www.topshop.co.uk   or visit Oxford Circus’s flagship store now!!{mosimage}