It’s all in the mix. The madcap eclecticism hitting the streets, thanks largely in part to Balenciaga’s fall collection — a medley of multiethnic references — has been one fashion-forward social experiment. Melding street urchin and luxury magnate, exotic tribesman and classic equestrian, the latest looks to make their mark have been steeped in material taken from all over the world. Balenciaga’s Nicholas Ghesquière mixed South American, Mongolian, African, Peruvian and Balinese patterns, and mixing it with contemporary pieces from the opposite of the sprectrum — like jodphurs and velvet blazers.
YStyle’s take on the trend is to take it apart and put it back together, this time with a distinctly Asian twist. Inspired by the ultimate bohemian traveler — think Anjelica Huston from The Royal Tenenbaums meets Augusten Burroughs’ mom circa the early ’80s — who thinks nothing of camping out by the ruins in Egypt but insists on taking along a book of poetry and her favorite scarf, we’ve culled together chic pieces that’ll work for any world traveler. And we’re not talking about the kind that checks into the Hilton and then grabs dinner at Benihana. Stylist Mela de Luna took her cue from Mongolian nomads and princesses, local ethnic tribes people and Asian shamans.
Ghesquière’s looks managed to walk the thin line between traveled and touristy — thanks to a balance of proportions. Bright prints are tempered by taupe pants, vivid ethnic scarves get toughened up with wool tights and black boots. For those wary of crossing the line into fanny-pack territory, pair everyday khakis with a graphic ikat sweater or a bohemian skirt with a bold pink parka.
Travelers can heave a sigh of relief now that a no-frills traveling costume requires little more than a dash of color and print. Look no further than the people around you.
* * *
Stores are located at the following locations: Animale, Jacques Ruc, Lucca, Modi, all available at the Ramp, Crossings, 2/f Shangri-La Mall; Escada and Escada Sport 3/f Shangri-La Mall; CMG, 3/f Shangri-La Mall; Felicity, 3/f Shangri-La Mall; Dorothy Perkins, 3/f Podium Mall; Warehouse, 3/f Podium Mall; and Zara, G/f Power Plant Mall.
* * *
Send your comments to oohbea@gmail.com!