Issue link: http://papercitymagazine.uberflip.com/i/504918
A rt meets fashion this month at The Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City, with an opulent exhibition organized by the Anna Wintour Costume Center featuring Chinese paintings, fashion, porcelains and film. "China: Through the Looking Glass" explores Eastern imagery and mysticism, May 7 through August 16. As a precursor, we couldn't help but orient ourselves with imagery of our own, pushing boundaries into sumptuous spaces with inspiring Asian design. Claydon House in Buckinghamshire, England, with its carved pagodas, Chinese fretwork, temples and oriental scrolls, exemplifies chinoiserie at its finest. And Beth Katleman's subtle porcelain installations juxtaposed with spring's ornate Asian-inspired accessories make us giddy stowaways on an enchanting, albeit slow boat to … you guessed it, China. Francine Ballard Bunny Williams beaded pagoda candle cover $59, at ballard designs.com. Giambattista Valli, at Neiman Marcus. Aquazurra Wild Things fringed heel $785, at Neiman Marcus, farfetch.com. COURTESY THE METROPOLITAN MUSEUM OF ART. PHOTOGRAPH NICK KNIGHT, NICKKNIGHT/TRUNK ARCHIVE ©NATIONAL TRUST IMAGES/ANDREAS VON EINSIEDEL Judith Leiber koi fish minaudière $5,995, at Neiman Marcus. Below, center: Beth Katleman's porcelain installation Hotel Mirana. For inquiries, contact Todd Merrill Studio, info@toddmerrillstudio.com. Bottom: One of the world's finest examples of chinoiserie, The Chinese Room with its elaborately carved doorcase and pagoda at Claydon House, Buckinghamshire, England. Dolce & Gabbana T-strap heel with gold embellishing $1,595, at Neiman Marcus, NorthPark Center. Dolce & Gabbana Sicily bag $2,295, at Neiman Marcus, NorthPark Center. From the exhibition: John Galliano for House of Dior, Fall/Winter 1997–1998 Delpozo double- sided canvas embroidered kimono coat $6,200, at Forty Five Ten, farfetch.com. COURTESY ROBERTO CAVALLI From the exhibition: Roberto Cavalli evening dress from Fall/Winter 2005-2006.