Orientalism: Representations of Japan in “Western” arts Two centuries of japonisme and japonesque exoticism in the “Western” fashion ⌘

Exoticism Exoticism – employing elements of an “exotic” (e.g., Oriental) culture in a different cultural context. Exoticism in arts, fine and decorative – “the presentation of one culture for consumption by another — [i]s not always ‘bad.’ It [i]s, in fact, a way to promote cultural dialogue” (Alden Jones). http://thesmartset.com/article08060708/ Note the fine line between utilizing elements of an “exotic” culture to enrich the borrowing culture and cultural appropriation.

Exoticism in “Western” Fashion Developed intensively since mid-XIX century, when long-distance travelling became more common and new experiences affected “Western” tastes. Aesthetic fascination with the Other.

Exoticism in “Western” Fashion Luxury and opulence of “Orient” in European imagination. Borrowed “Oriental” types of fabric; textile prints; cuts and lines; decorative elements, etc.

Early XXth-cent. Fashion Magazines

Early XXth-cent. Fashion Illustrations

Japonophilia in fashion Japanese = “exotic,” “strange,” “of exquisite taste.”

Accessories

“Geta” and “Tabi” Shoes

Handbags

Jewelry

Japonesque Geometric Lines

Japonesque Minimalism

Exaggerated Japonesque Lavishness

Samurai Outfit

Samurai-inspired Men’s Fashion

Japonesque Patterns and Colour

Japonesque Make-up