SHANGHAI TANG Miao Silk-Crepe Dress

Luxury fashion-lifestyle brand Shanghai Tang goes beyond mandarin collars and qipaos. Each season, the label takes its inspiration from a different aspect of China's rich culture. For their SS 2011 collection, the focus is on the Miao, an ethnic minority that lives predominantly in the hills around Southern China. This elegant streamlined silk crepe dress with pleating delight, for example, makes a subtle but noticeable reference to the pleated skirts often worn by Miao women.
Serious enough for workdays and -with some beads and an interesting belt- edgy enough for that wine-and-cheese gathering or dinner party.
*(Available in classic black and youthful amethyst.)
(RRP US$625)