China inspires Met

Oriental part of the world has been the focus of designers and luxury brands over the years. How much Chinese loves luxury goods is well-documented. Not long ago, Karl Lagerfeld had hosted a Chanel show on the Great Wall of China and a lot of luxe labels from Europe and the US have opened their outlets there. This year the dragon country is eliciting the Costume Institute treatment. Curated by Andrew Bolton, China: Through the Looking Glass opens to the public on May 7 after the star-spangled red carpet romp on Monday night. The show expounds the influence of he country's rich cultural heritage on designers past and present by amalgamating the power of fashion with the energy of artwork and historical costumes. After Hrs looks at some of the iconic collections from the past which had strong Chinese-inspired influence.

Mary Katrantzou Fall 2011 line saw dragon digital prints on dresses and separates, designer Dries Van Noten for his Fall 2010 offering referred to the country's aesthetic for inspiration. Ralph Lauren's Fall 2011 collection saw stunning Chinese embroideries on sheer black evening dresses.