Going Gatsby

Going Gatsby!

With all that has been going on this summer I missed the opportunity of getting to the cinema to see Baz Luhrmann's adaptation of Gatsby. I am a fan of his work and have always been captivated by the attention to detail of the costuming of his films so was very excited to see the execution of this classic. Upon boarding the plane to China I realised Gatsby was on the entertainment bill so I ordered a g & t and was a very happy girl! 

The oppopulace of the evening attire of both the women and men was incredible. The black tie outfits reassured my life long obsession with the dinner suit (or tuxedo depending which part of the world you are from!)

But it was the day wear of the gentlemen of the plot that stole the show for me. In the heat of the summer what would the well to do have worn, an array of linen and cottons graced my little aeroplane screen. 

The pink suit.

There is no way of avoiding this suit when referring to this movie, it is key to 

the plot and the character of Gatsby. Many mainstream companies have produced lines this season with the 20s styling and Brooks Brothers have created an impressive ready to wear version. Now I don't know many men who can pull off an entire pink 3 piece suit but a pink sports jacket is both bold an elegant. I have been looking at the Irish linens of W Bill as inspiration or a patterned Dorsilk from Dormeiul and Scabal always provide some beautiful lightweight options.

Having absorbed the cinematic beauty of this film and doodling ideas on the napkins that accompanied my gin I am already scrolling through my mental address book of clients who would love this look. 

Imagine my delight when arriving at our hotel to find we are staying at the infamous Jin 

Jiang hotel, a historic Art Deco haven. With its exquisite ballroom and classic elegant European style I felt like donning a flapper dress and headband! 

The roaring 20s were prolific in Shanghai, with wealth and women and western influence. The echoes of the excess and riches still ring through this cosmopolitan city with it's designer stores on every street corner and love of luxury. The heat and the humidity have me thinking of Fitzgerald's great work as I sit here watching the nets billow in the breeze wondering what this city of sin may have in store for us.