Collection: a3 Orientalist

Orientalism, in its essence, is the imitation or representation of elements of the Eastern world by artists, designers, and other creatives in the Western world. 

As a historical design aesthetic its influences can be seen in painting, interior design, furniture design, and fashion. It was introduced in the paintings of the Renaissance period, in colorful street scenes inspired by global trade between Italy, for example, and eastern countries including China and Turkey.   The interest in “oriental” subject matter was revived in the 18^th century, particularly after the Napoleonic  invasions of Egypt and Syria. Genre paintings depicting market and bath scenes; ancient ruins; and richly ornamented and/or scantily clad women were again popular – if not entirely accurate.

It must be said that painters of this movement cared very little for authenticity and chose to mix and match – and even invent – elements that that had nothing to do with the culture the paintings depicted.  To our thinking, today’s designers need to recognize the difference between aesthetic influence and accurate representation. Both are necessary, but need to be incorporated into design and fashion with cultural sensitivity.  

I was introduced to Morocco at a very early age. I had the good fortune of traveling and spending time there when I was 13.  It changed the course of my life's interests and design approach. The clothing, jewelry, furnishings and dwellings  of this rich culture created an endless bounty of enjoyment and influence over my taste, style of dressing, and living as it did for generations of designers.

Nihil Sub Sole Novum marketing will reveal the interaction of several overlapping design schools.  Here we celebrate the Pre Raphaelite, Orientalists, and Art Deco movements, which were often combined by artists, designers, writers, and eccentrics to create an ever changing and expanding palette of what was considered non western or European taste.

Video: The Orientalist, the Flapper, and Ms. Art Nouveau receive their invitation from the Mad Hatter