As we welcome the Chinese New Year with open arms, the Year of the Dragon emerges, bringing with it a sense of power, majesty, and prosperity. In the Chinese zodiac, the Dragon symbolizes strength, good fortune, and the embodiment of mythical creatures that have captivated cultures for centuries.
The Year of the Dragon, or "Longnian” in Chinese, holds special significance as it takes its place in the 12-year cycle of the zodiac. This mythical creature is believed to bring blessings and success, making it a momentous year for those born under its auspices. As the celebrations unfold, families gather, fireworks light up the sky, and traditional festivities mark the beginning of a new lunar year.
In Chinese culture, the dragon is a symbol of strength, courage, and good luck. It is associated with imperial power and has been revered throughout history as a creature of great significance. The dragon is not only a mythical being but also a cultural icon deeply ingrained in the fabric of Chinese traditions.
During the New Year celebrations, vibrant red and gold hues dominate the decorations, as these colors are believed to bring luck and prosperity. The dragon dances through the streets, captivating onlookers with its majestic movements, symbolizing the triumph of good over evil and the promise of a prosperous year ahead.To fully embrace the spirit of the Year of the Dragon, many choose to incorporate dragon motifs into their attire. Traditional Chinese clothing adorned with golden dragon embroidery becomes a popular choice during this festive season. The symbolism behind these garments extends beyond mere aesthetics; it represents a desire for strength, success, and good fortune in the coming year.
Our Tianlong Dragon Coat perfectly encapsulates the essence of the Year of the Dragon. This exquisite garment features intricate hand embroideries of golden dragons, symbolizing power and auspicious beginnings. The coat not only pays homage to tradition but also allows individuals to carry the spirit of the dragon with them as they embark on a new chapter.
For those seeking a touch of elegance, our Regency Dragon Skirt is a stunning choice. Adorned with golden dragons against a vibrant red backdrop, this skirt captures the grace and beauty associated with the dragon. It's a celebration of culture and a stylish nod to the festivities that define the Chinese New Year.
For a more contemporary flair, our Pingyang Tweed Jacket with golden dragon embroidered trim seamlessly blends tradition with modern fashion. The subtle yet impactful dragon embroidery adds a touch of sophistication, making it a versatile piece that can be worn beyond the festive season.
As we usher in the Year of the Dragon, let us embrace the symbolism, traditions, and cultural richness that define this auspicious time. Our collection of clothing, inspired by the majestic dragon, allows you to carry the spirit of good fortune and prosperity with you throughout the year. Celebrate in style, and may the Year of the Dragon bring you joy, success, and abundant blessings.
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If you're a fan of timeless elegance with a modern twist, consider our Feng Huang Phoenix Dress, a classic A-line silhouette in a vibrant red; or Hibiscus Floral Qipao, a chic black adorned with subtle hibiscus prints. These dresses effortlessly combine tradition with a touch of contemporary flair, allowing you to make a statement without sacrificing sophistication.
'Tis the season to shine, and what better way to do it than with sequins and sparkles? Our sequined Derling Embroidered Dress is a quintessential choice for New Year's Eve, reflecting the glimmering lights and festive atmosphere.
Opt for a body-hugging midi Derling dress or the flowing maxi Derling Embroidered Gown, depending on your style and the level of glamour you're aiming for. Pair it with simple accessories to let the sequins steal the show.
When in doubt, turn to the timeless allure of the Little Black Dress. Our newly released Lady Chang'e Qipao Fitted Dress Black is a well-fitted Little Black Dress and is a versatile wardrobe staple that effortlessly transitions from Christmas to New Year's Eve. You can elevate the look with statement accessories and killer heels for a classic yet impactful ensemble.
In conclusion, our selection of seasonal party dresses for Christmas and New Year is a testament to the brand's dedication to style, comfort, and inclusivity. Elevate your festive wardrobe with dresses that not only make a statement but also reflect the magic of the season. With SKYLENCE, you're not just wearing a dress; you're stepping into a world of timeless elegance and contemporary glamour. This holiday season, let SKYLENCE be your ultimate fashion companion, helping you shine bright and celebrate in style.
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We visited the exhibition recently and was inspired by the silk robes of Empress Dowager Cixi, a focal point of the exhibition.
The exhibition is supported by Citi and the Huo Family Foundation and designed to give you a glimpse into the life of 19th Century China through art, fashion, newspapers, furniture, and everyday items. The purpose of the exhibition is to give the public a new understanding of late imperial China.
You’ll get a chance to be up close and personal with everyday items like an ancestor portrait of a bannerman, a beautifully painted luxury fan, and a snuff bottle with the image of Li Hongzhang.
The 19th century marks a transition period for China as the silk road gave way to more modern methods of trade between East and West. It was also the period when porcelain became a major export for China, with blue-and-white Chinese porcelain becoming collectibles amongst the wealthy in Britain and America.
The revolutionary 19th century was a time of creativity in China, showcased through a pearl-encrusted snuff bottle, lotus shoes, and straw rain cape on display in the exhibition.
One of the most talked about pieces in the exhibition is the clothing worn by Empress Dowager Cixi. The stand-out piece is her silk robe, the perfect muse for future SKYLENCE designs. Cixi acted as the de-facto ruler of China from 1861 to 1908 as the consort of the Xianfeng Emperor, widowed in her 20s. She’s often recognisable in art by wearing a distinctive headdress.
The silk robe is on loan from The Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York, giving you a rare chance to get up close with this piece of history on this side of the Atlantic. It’s an informal outer gown that incorporates motifs from the Japanese Meji-period of 1868 to 1912 and shows how little the kimono silhouette has evolved over time. Look out for the swooping phoenix with a peacock tail on the robe.
Empress Dowager Cixi’s fashion is significant to the history of China as she benefited from the expansion of new colours of European aniline dyes, showing in the bright hues of her robes. Empress Cixi is believed to have changed outfits around 10 times a day with hundreds of casual robes, just like the one in this exhibition.
The Nissen Richards Studio was involved in bringing the exhibition to life and teamed up with the London College of Fashion to design a series of bespoke costumes inspired by the remarkable individuals featured in it. You can read about the designs, including one inspired by Dowager Empress Cixi, here.
China’s Hidden Century runs at the British Museum until the 8th of October 2023. You can book tickets directly through the museum website.
]]>Our Creative Director Skylence was in Paris in early March. So we asked her to share her 5 favourite places in Paris that will inspire her future designs and deserve a spot on our Parisian bucket list.
The beauty of Paris is that you never know what you might stumble across. The city is full of hidden treasures, with La Maison du Roy being one of its best-kept secrets. The store claims to have been a favourite boutique of none other than Marie Antoinette. This antique shop was just a stone’s throw away from our showroom and packed full of French history. It’s the perfect spot to visit for a souvenir of your Parisian adventure.
You might be getting your first taste of Europe through the lens of Paris. Centre Pompidou is at the heart of Paris’ cultural scene and a museum I can’t wait to revisit on future trips. It’s home to modern and contemporary art from all over Europe. The Centre Pompidou is a cultural machine perfect for a quiet afternoon in Paris.
After falling head over heels for La Maison du Roy, I found myself seeking out boutiques with a similar feel. The kind of boutiques that feel as though they’re a part of Paris with France’s history seeped into its DNA. I stumbled across this perfume shop near Notre Dame and fell in love with its fragrances. It’ll always remind me of my time in Paris.
Need I say anything more than “Dior”? Step back in time and behind the curtain of Christian Dior. It’s an experience guaranteed to give you a new appreciation for haute couture. I was pinching myself seeing some of my favourite Dior designs in the flesh.
5. Hotel Balzac
Meet my Parisian home away from home – Hotel Balzac. It’s a classic European hotel that puts the city’s most famous sights right at your doorstep. Step out onto your terrace for a stunning view of the Eiffel Tower and get your Insta-worthy pictures.
]]>This month’s Paris Fashion Week saw a new name on the programme.
SKYLENCE.
We showcased a capsule collection of the best-selling SKYLENCE pieces that represent our brand DNA and our unique east-meets-west approach, reinterpreting timeless European fashion through an oriental lens.
Cashmere, tweed, and tulle. It’s a trio of luxurious fabrics that instantly comes to mind when we think of Paris’ rich fashion history – from Coco Chanel’s innovative use of tweed in everyday fashion to Christian Dior’s use of tulle in creating the ‘new look’ of the 40s and 50s.
The collection we showcased at Paris Fashion Week includes the Chelsea tang tweed jacket and skirt. You’ll also find the Anna Tulle Dress in this edit, a dress that would be right at home at the Opera National de Paris.
Couldn’t make it to Paris Fashion Week? Shop the SKYLENCE ‘Paris Edit’ here.
No trip to Paris is complete without exploring the city’s gothic architecture and designs that stretch from the French Renaissance to classical revival and the Art Nouveau era. We brought along our latest collection to photograph in the Parisian sun, showcasing our signature tweed jackets and modern cheongsam dresses.
We’re sharing a few sneak peeks here, but keep your eyes peeled on our social media feeds to see more from our Parisian photo shoot.
Explore the SKYLENCE ‘Paris Edit’ collection and plan your next trip to Paris by reading about the 5 spots in Paris that Skylence fell in love with here.
]]>Each design within our Qipao Edit incorporates a different aspect of Chinese culture, from the ‘Three Friends of Winter’ embroidery to homages to the hibiscus flower, commonly known as the Rose of China.
The ‘Qipao’ – also known as the cheongsam - is a traditional Chinese dress characterised by a high-neck and close-fitting silhouette. Our Qipao Edit includes mini dresses, a 2-piece dress and shawl set, along with structured fitted dresses.
Qipaos may seem like they’ve been around for centuries, but they originally originated from the long Manchurian costumes worn during the Qing Dynasty (1644 – 1912) when Manchurians were in power over the country.
The qipao most people are familiar with became popular amongst Chinese women in the 1920s as a feminine closet staple that would define contemporary oriental clothing. This silhouette is an evolution from the inspiration of the robes worn during the Qing Dynasty, adding a high collar, and creating a figure-hugging silhouette.
The dress is known as the “qipao” in Mandarin and the “cheongsam” in Cantonese. It’s the quintessential design that has come to define the concept of Chinese elegance. Today’s qipaos – and many of our designs at SKYLENCE – continue to incorporate the embroidery, beading, and floral motifs of the original imperial qipao dresses.
What makes the qipao significant is that it makes the evolution of women in society after the collapse of imperial rule. It’s evident in the silhouette’s change from its long imperial robes, designed to conceal a woman’s body, to the more seductive style that celebrates women’s curves.
(Maggie Cheung (left) and Tony Leung in a still from In the Mood for Love)
Set in 1962, In the Mood for Love is a delicate ode to the qipao in its heyday, when they could be seen everywhere on the streets of Hong Kong and Shanghai.
Although the garment traces its roots to the turn of the 20th century, in a time of immense political and cultural upheaval in China, the evolution of the qipao reflects the newfound freedom of women through the 1920s to 1960s, from the flappers of the Art Deco era to the expansion of women in the workplace.
SKYLENCE has taken up the task of evolving the qipao to the next stage of its story, adapting its stiff collar and short sleeves to suit the lifestyle of a 21st-century woman. Our Qipao Edit is designed to fit into every aspect of your life, from elevated workwear to occasion wear for weddings, formal events, and cocktail parties.
At SKYLENCE, we’re inspired by the coupling of East and West. We strive to bring an oriental flair to European fashion and reinvent heritage silhouettes for the modern era.
This collection is a new take on the qipao for the modern woman with a distinctive European twist. John Galliano is one of the most influential designers in recent decade and one of our muses for this collection.
Vogue’s Anna Wintour named John Galliano’s March 1997 collection her favourite of all time. Why is this significant? Galliano’s 1997 Dior collection incorporated Dior’s Parisian DNA into traditional oriental garments. It introduced the qipao to a Western audience through the lens of French fashion.
Building on this inspiration and using masterful tailoring with intricate design elements, SKYLENCE’s Qipao Edit continues the Chinoiserie Chic tradition with our own contemporary fashion take.
You can discover and shop our Qipao Edit here.
]]>Chinese New Year is right around the corner. Each year is represented by one of the 12 Chinese zodiacs. 2023 is the Year of the Rabbit, starting on January 22nd.
]]>The tradition of Chinese New Year is a major celebration for the Chinese community, both in China and beyond. Cities like London embrace Chinese New Year with open arms. Anyone who takes a stroll through London’s China Town will see it decked out in red and gold for the New Year.
At SKYLENCE, we’re committed to sharing Chinese culture with our community across the UK and beyond. Explore the traditions of Chinese New Year and find out how you can take part in this year’s celebrations.
Chinese New Year Traditions
Chinese New Year, also known as ‘Lunar New Year’, is a 15-day celebration for the new year of the Chinese zodiac. It typically falls between January 21st and February 20th, with the date changing every year.
The celebration is rich in Chinese culture and mythology. One popular legend tells of the monster, Nian, attacking villagers at the dawn of each new year. The villagers would scare away the monster with the colour red, bright lights, and loud noise. This tradition evolved into a celebration of the new year, bringing good luck and prosperity into the new year as you say goodbye to the old.
We celebrate by gifting family members with money in red envelopes, while other traditions focus on honouring our dead relatives by offering sacrifices. The final event of Chinese New Year is the ‘Lantern Festival’ with a night-time parade that focuses on a long dragon procession with lanterns and dragons.
An easy Chinese New Year tradition to follow is to clean your house before New Year to get rid of any lingering bad luck from the previous year. Like all festivities, Chinese New Year involves a lot of food. New Year’s Eve is typically a time for family reunions with a dinner that includes fish, dumplings, and rice cake.
2023 is the Year of the Rabbit
The Chinese calendar focuses on 12 zodiacs, with each taking it in turn to represent the year. 2023 is the year of the rabbit. Previous years of the rabbit have included 2011, 1999, and 1987.
The Year of the Rabbit will run from January 22nd, 2023 (Chinese New Year) to February 9th, 2024 (Chinese New Year’s Eve). The zodiac sign often ties into the predictions for the year. Chinese culture considers the rabbit a symbol of peace, prosperity, and longevity – giving 2023 a theme of hope.
If you’re born during a year of the rabbit, you’re likely to be quick-minded, ingenious, vigilant, and witty. Your lucky numbers will include 3, 4, and 9, with your direction of love sitting in the East.
The rabbit is the yin in terms of yin and yang, and is widely associated with the early hours of the morning (5-7 am, in fact!). Chinese culture also views the rabbit as a representation of the moon.
2023 is a year we’re putting hope front and centre in the spirit of the rabbit. We hope you consider some of these traditions during this Chinese New Year to bring luck, prosperity, and good fortune into your life.
Happy Chinese New Year from all the team at SKYLENCE.
]]>Mark your calendar and get ready for the races. Our designs blend classic English silhouettes with SKYLENCE’s distinctive oriental heritage. An elegant dress with a statement coat is always the best way to dress for races. You’ll be ready for anything the weather might bring while maintaining a sophisticated look.
]]>Most British racecourses host a specific ‘Ladies’ Day’ with many giving out exclusive prizes and awards for the best dress. Whether you’re attending Ladies’ Day or another event, a day at the races has its own dress code. For the winter races, coats and dresses are your best friends.
The Dress Code for a Day at the Races
What should you wear to a day at the horse races? Understated elegance is your best option. You’ll be on your feet most of the day, so sensible footwear is a must. While you’ll want to dress conservatively, you can still stand out.
Millinery is the top accessory for any race day attire. Your hat is where you can get creative with your outfit. It’s the showstopper that will pull your look together. Whether you’re choosing an oversized headband or a structural fascinator, it all starts with choosing your outfit first.
While the horse racing events don’t call for black tie, the dress code is semi-formal. Royal Ascot has the strictest dress code. Most other racecourses adopt a more casual approach with hats being optional.
SKYLENCE’s Top Picks for Ladies’ Day at the Races
You’re spoilt for choice when looking for inspiration for ladies’ day at the races. Zara Tindall, Lydia Millen, and Leonna Mayor will give you endless inspiration for what to wear to horse racing.
At SKYLENCE, we think there’s no better way to dress for races than an elegant dress with a statement coat. You’ll be ready for anything the weather might bring while maintaining a sophisticated look.
It’s impossible to go to the races without thinking about Queen Elizabeth II. Our Windsor coat pays homage to the British Royal Family with a classic English silhouette. What makes the coat unique is its handmade black Chinese button knots, inspired by the Ming Dynasty.
Florals are right at home on the racecourse. Our ‘Plum Blossom Midi Dress’ captures the beauty of femininity with its Crepe de Chine silk and message of regeneration.
Keep your race day look understated with our elegant Regency dress. This white dress offers a subtle nod to our Chinese heritage with classic button knots. It provides a sophisticated base for accessorising with a fascinator, statement coat, or heels.
Leonna Mayor is no stranger to the racecourse. She presented the coverage from this summer’s Pontefract Races wearing our best-selling Victoria Porcelain dress. It’s a versatile silhouette inspired by the era Her Majesty Queen Victoria, also known for her love of horses.
The unapologetically feminine Yanxi Embroidered Coat blends East and West with our hand-embroidered magnolia flowers. The magnolia flowers have been a symbol of purity since the Tang Dynasty (1st century) and became a favourite of Emperors. This coat silhouette is timeless and versatile, allowing you to layer it with our staple dresses and accesorise it with a fascinator. With a pair of heels on, this coat dress will surely make you a statement in the crowd!
Mark your calendar and get ready for the races. Our designs blend classic English silhouettes with SKYLENCE’s distinctive oriental heritage. Shop the latest SKYLENCE designs here.
At the same time, we have partnered with SILKS Magazine -- a brand new horse racing and lifestyle magazine that provides for all the weekly racing news, tips, information and more. Head to SILKS Magazine for the latest news and inspirations for races!
]]>During the early 20th century, with World War I taking men away to the Front and not having fabric to spare, women simply donned their husband's suits and set off to work doing ‘men’s work’ such as factory labour. With dresses being impractical, the utility of the suit was adored by the working women and thus it was adopted into the wardrobes of women ever since. Designers such as Coco Chanel were also allured by the suit and in 1925, in a small show at her salon on the Rue de Cambon, Paris, she introduced her first quintessential tweed jacket. This was inspired by her boyfriend-of-the-time, the Duke of Westminster’s, sports jackets and thus an icon of fashion was born.
It was a celebration of female entrepreneurship, with Kelly Rutherford sharing her journey into business and showcasing female-founded fashion brands, like SKYLENCE.
July 13th was the launch night of the Sovereign Collective pop-up in London, with Kelly and her business partner, Molly, in attendance. We all know Kelly as Lily van der Woodsen, the formidable Upper-East Sider in Gossip Girl who has become the textbook definition of the 'Birkin Mom'.
Kelly has now swapped the silver screen for fashion with Sovereign Collective. She kick-started the launch event by giving us all an insight into her journey into entrepreneurship.
Like most of female entrepreneurs, Kelly grew up interested in business, always dreaming of a day that she’d have a ‘lightbulb’ idea. Her entrepreneurial dreams took a backseat when acting entered her life, but the interest never disappeared.
After being introduced to Molly, the pair came together to create ‘Sovereign Collective’. It takes a new approach to traditional fashion boutiques by curating designers by their cities.
Whether you’re channelling a Manhattan moment, a Parisian adventure, or a London lady, Sovereign Collective embraces the global nature of fashion. Kelly and Molly search for brands that capture the essence of these cities, blending contemporary trends with the culture at their hearts.
It’s how they came across SKYLENCE. A female-founded brand that acts as a love letter to the East, while embracing the classic English sensibility with sophisticated silhouettes.
They’ve even nicknamed us 'Cultured Attire'. We feel right at home at Sovereign Collective!
The Sovereign Collective pop-up was a chance for our founder, Skylence Tianmo Zheng, to catch up with Kelly and Molly in person. There’s an instance between female entrepreneurs. We all know the struggle of bringing an idea into reality and the trials and tribulations of being a woman in business.
We loved connecting with Kelly and Molly to help them celebrate the success of Sovereign Collective and fellow female entrepreneurs. It was also a chance to meet other independent brands that make up the London segment at Sovereign Collective.
The cherry on the cake? Kelly wearing a SKYLENCE jacket when we met up with her! If only Gossip Girl was still on TV today…
Seeing Kelly wearing one of our SKYLENCE jackets was a milestone moment. You can’t scroll through Instagram, Pinterest, or TikTok without spotting Kelly. She’s one of our style muses – and we’re happy to call her a friend of SKYLENCE.
Our designer Skylence is wearing the Oriental Myth Skirt!
We’ll be adding Kelly in her SKYLENCE jacket to our next Pinterest fashion board. The actress turned entrepreneur will always be one of our favourite business partners.
If Kelly has taught us anything with Sovereign Collective, it’s that it’s never too late to chase your childhood dreams. The sky’s the limit!
Find out more about Sovereign Collective and shop Kelly’s favourite SKYLENCE pieces here.
]]>It’s a ‘pinch me’ moment. For most of us, Kelly Rutherford is all over our Pinterest style boards. She became the archetype for the ‘Birkin Mom’ after staring as Lily van der Woodsen in CW’s ‘Gossip Girl’. It’s the one TV show that unites fashion lovers from all walks of the industry. Kelly has now swapped the silver screen for a job her on-screen persona would definitely approve of.
Sovereign Collective, launched by Kelly, is hosting a pop-up in Belgravia from 13th-16th July to launch their platform in London. After joining Sovereign Collective’s global platform in June, SKYLENCE is honoured to be featured in this exciting pop-up.
SKYLENCE x Gossip Girl is the crossover we’ve always dreamt of. Gossip Girl and the backdrop of New York’s urban jungle continue to influence fashion trends long after the show’s final season. It’s a place we go to for inspiration on bringing a metropolitan feel to our designs.
So, what would Lily van der Woodsen, Eleanor Waldorf, and their Upper East Side friends wear from SKYLENCE?
Summing up the Gossip Girl aesthetic isn’t even. Some call it ‘old money’, others think of it as ‘Bohemian Princess’ or ‘Parisian glamour’. Whether you’re a Waldorf or van der Woodsen, gossip girl fashion has one thing in common. It’s classic and timeless while giving a nod to contemporary trends.
Our Derling Edit is one collection we could see filling Lily van der Woodsen’s New York closet.
The Derling Embroidered Jacket would add an oriental twist to the Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy look that would become pivotal to building Lily van der Woodsen’s character. We imagine her styling it with her classic skinny black jeans and a Hermes bag for a day shopping with Serena at Bergdorf’s.
No Upper East sider’s social calendar is complete without cocktail parties. The Derling Embroidered Dress is the little black dress Serena would have called dibs on from Lily’s closet.
A piece we could see the Waldorf girls wearing is the Chelsea Tang Tweed Jacket with its classic European silhouette that would be perfect for any trip to Paris. An honourable mention goes to our Victoria Porcelain Dress that every Upper East sider needs for garden party season.
Discover more about Sovereign Collective and shop their curated range of SKYLENCE designs here.
Sovereign Collective was launched by Kelly Rutherford and her business partner, Molly. The pair take their slow fashion approach and love for travel and discovery to connect the world with talented independent creators.
As an ambassador for start-up fashion brands, Sovereign Collective celebrates entrepreneurism within the industry with a community that wants to know the face, ethos, and meaning behind every brand. Sovereign Collective’s brand partners offer a beautiful curation of global cities, told through the lens of the next generation of fashion leaders.
Nestled in Sovereign Collective’s ‘London’ edit, you’ll find SKYLENCE. We’re proud to support Sovereign Collective and its mission to embrace fashion through a new, global lens.
Treat yourself to exploring Belgravia’s cobbled stoned streets and called into Sovereign Collective’s pop-up to explore our iconic pieces and discover our Sovereign Collective partners.
It’ll be a day fit for the Upper East Side’s favourite fashionistas.
Time: 10am-6pm, 13th-16th Julhy, 2022
Address: 32 Grosvenor Crescent Mews, London, SW1X 7EX.
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Afternoons of sipping Pimms, catching up with friends for a fresco dining, and escaping to the beach are all on the horizon. However, with the unpredictability of British weather, it's always great to incorporate transitional pieces that can take you through the summer with no problems. Whether it’s drizzling or record-setting heat, you want to be prepared for whatever the summer might throw at you.
Transitional pieces are the perfect ones to invest in for your closet. They’ll see you through every season and can be mixed and matched with seasonal pieces. We’re spotlighting a few of our favourite pieces to help you spring into summer – whatever you have in your social calendar.
Whether you’ve got a garden party or small-scale wedding to attend, you want to have a tea dress hanging in your closet. The versatility of a tea dress means you can style it by itself on warmer days or layer up with a blazer to keep warm against the evening chill.
Our Plum Blossom Tea Dress is made using crepe de chine silk, making it lightweight and breathable to take you through hot summer.
If you prefer to make a statement with an on-trend colour, we offer our Lily Tea Dress in green and purple. The versatility of the silhouette means you can wear anything from open-toe stilettoes to ankle boots.
Another dress that is ideal for creating transitional closet is our iconic Victoria Porcelain Dress. This piece is a staple as the short sleeves make it ideal for layering with a cardigan or blazer.
If the temperatures are rising, you can work on your summer tan while staying cool. One of our favourites is the Derling Embroidered Dress, a summer-appropriate version of our iconic Derling Gown.
With your summer social calendar filling up with engagement parties, weddings, family events, and functions to attend. Our Short-sleeved Qiaochu Embroidered Peacock Dress will see you through them all. Add a light shawl to your look to make it evening appropriate for when the temperatures drop. We also offer our Qiaochu Dress with a three-quarter length sleeve and longer silhouette to transform it into a mixi-dress.
Blazers are a girl’s best friend. They’re a seasonless staple that you can wear year-round, making them the perfect investment into your closet. Our Yanxi Embroidered Jacket has a peplum silhouette and can be worn with any dress as a transitional piece.
We’ll be wearing these iconic pieces through some of the most iconic streets of London. If you’re looking for inspiration for where to take your new SKYLENCE staples, we recommend grabbing brunch in Notting Hill and shopping through the streets of Knightsbridge. Don’t forget to pack your sunglasses and SPF into your bag!
You can explore all our SKYLENCE summer staples here. Don’t forget to tag us on Instagram in your outfit pictures while you’re out and about this summer!
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At SKYLENCE, we love to share our culture and heritage with our community. Everything from our silhouettes to design names is inspired by the things most important to us. Our ‘QiaoChu’ range is a love letter to our heritage and a special nod to our founder Skylence’s best friend who consistently inspires her since the beginning of this fashion journey. Each piece incorporates peacock feathers, a symbol of Chinese nobility and beauty.
We’re sharing the inspiration behind our ‘QiaoChu’ range and the deeper meanings behind our designs, including the symbolism of peacocks in Chinese customs. With pieces like our ‘QiaoChu Peacock Dress’ and ‘QiaoChu Cashmere Jumper’, you can carry a piece of Chinese culture with you wherever you go.
Meet 'QiaoChu'
'Qiao’(翘) 'Chu'(楚) is a name that orientates from the Ancient Chinese poetry of the Zhou Dynasty (1055 – 771BC). The word ‘Qiao’ is linked to worshipping, rising, and being uplifted – with links to good fortune and opportunity. They reflect the way a peacock gracefully moves when opening its tails – as though rising to the sun. The word ‘Chu’ means seeing the world with beautiful clarity – understanding its challenges while not losing sight of what makes it special.
Flash forward to today, and the word ‘QiaoChu’ is used to describe someone who is a natural born leader with an extraordinary talent. ‘QiaoChu’ perfectly sums up the SKYLENCE woman and our community of empowered women who uplift each other.
The Meaning of Peacocks in Chinese Culture
Within Chinese culture, the peacock is seen as the earth-form of the heavenly phoenix – one of our Twelve Symbols of Sovereignty. Peacocks have been synonymous with Chinese Royalty for centuries, dating as far back as the Warring States Period of 476BC. These feathers would be fashioned into fans to be used behind the King’s throne.
The peacock is widely seen as the symbol of the Ming Dynasty. It represents dignity, nobility, beauty, and power – the attributes of every Skylence woman.
The most special peacock of them all is those with 100 eyes. They’re seen as the symbol who Chinese mythology claims helped those who suffered by transforming evils into beauty. In this sense, the peacock becomes a protective talisman that represents holiness and purity.
Incorporating the Peacock Into Your Closet
How can you add a touch of Chinese culture to your closet? With our QiaoChu collection! You explore our QiaoChu Edit here – but we’re sharing some of our favourite pieces and how to style them below.
Our ‘QiaoChu Embroidered Peacock Dress’ is the perfect choice for a black-tie event or special occasion, blending a Western silhouette with intricate peacock detailing.
Prefer something more understated? Our ‘Short-Sleeved QiaoChu Embroidered Peacock Dress’ is a feminine midi-length style that will take you from afternoon tea to a trip to the theatre.
One of our favourite ways to incorporate the peacocks into your weekend closet is with the ‘Qiaochu Embroidered Maxi Skirt’. Its pink belt adds a pop of colour, whether you’re styling it with a silk blouse or a basic white t-shirt. Prefer a fit and flare? Try our ‘Qiaochu Midi Skirt’ instead.
Two of the most versatile pieces in our Qiaochu Edit include our Embroidered Cardigan and Cashmere Jumper.
Embrace your inner heavenly phoenix and put your best foot forward in our Qiaochu Edit!
]]>This month March, celebrating Women’s History has given us at SKYLENCE much food for thought. We are proud to be a brand designed by women for women, constructing garments that aren’t just pretty but that seek to empower the women who wear them to tackle any of the obstacles of modern life. The inspiration for our designs often comes from looking to the past of Imperial China, and thus recently we have been looking to the past of women for inspiration as well.
As a brand that prides itself on seeking inspiration from our Chinese heritage, the extraordinary Empress Wu Zetian had to be first on our list. Hailing from the Tang Dynasty (618-907AD), she was the only woman to ever single-handedly rule China, being a figure of incredible strength of character and intelligence.
First starting as a lowly concubine to Emperor Taizong, she fell in love with his son and earned a place in the court of the Imperial Palace once Li Zhi became Emperor. Within court, she gained power and influence over Li Zhi, truly embodying the saying ‘behind every great man, there is a great woman’. After her husband’s death, she declared herself Empress and renamed the dynasty ‘Zhou’, continuing in great success to unify China and expand China’s empire considerably. Against all odds, this woman rose from being a lowly concubine to being one of the most powerful women in history. SKYLENCE clothes are made with this inspiration in mind - that once on, the SKYLENCE woman can take on any battle in her way. (To learn more about this incredible woman, watch the 1963 film ‘Empress Wu Tse-Tien’)
A further inspiring woman was the early 20th century suffragette Emmeline Pankhurst, who campaigned successfully for the women’s right to vote in the United Kingdom.
Founding the Women’s Social and Political Union in 1903, Pankhurst and her daughters, along with other suffragettes, campaigned hard for the vote - often ending in imprisonment, where they continued in protest with hunger strikes. Emmeline pioneered the movement and following the end of the First World War, her protests were paramount to the passing of the Representation of the People Act in 1918 which gave voting rights to women over 30, with equal voting rights with men to follow in the next decade. This inspirational woman embodies the qualities SKYLENCE was built on - compassion, commitment and tenacity. (To learn more about the battle for suffrage, watch the 2015 film, ‘Suffragette’, featuring Meryl Streep and Helena Bonham-Carter.)
Our final two inspirational women were simply children when they started changing the world for the better. Malala Yousafzai campaigned for girl’s rights to education under the extremist Taliban rule in her home of the Swat Valley, Pakistan. When they threatened to kill her, she continued to go to school, when the Taliban shot her in the face out of the retaliation, she survived and continued to fight for women’s right to education. Her story inspired millions of girls across the world to value their education and pushed world leaders to do more to support girl-learning. She deservedly is the youngest Nobel Peace Prize Laureate in history. A contemporary of Malala is the unshakeable 17-year-old Swedish climate activist, Greta Thunberg. Greta has brought world leaders to shame over the ever worsening impact of climate change and global warming caused by pollution. Her powerful speeches inspired young people across the globe to unite and strike for changes to be made. The battle for a cleaner planet is ongoing and Greta Thunberg continues to lead the charge. In recognition of the extraordinary efforts, Time Magazine named her ‘Person of the Year’ for 2019. Greta and Malala have inspired us at SKYLENCE to make sure our clothes are as sustainable as possible and to keep on promoting women’s (social) entrepreneurship.
(To find out more about these incredible women, read Malala’s ‘I am Malala: The Story of the Girl Who Stood Up for Education and was Shot by the Taliban’ and TIME magazines 2019 article on Greta Thunberg, readily available online.)
At SKYLENCE, we are in awe of the amazing things women can and have achieved. We make our clothes so that any women can feel empowered to take on any challenge or obstacle of modern life.
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At SKYLENCE, we look to the past for inspiration to create modern garments. Our customers are independently minded women with a passion that drives them to chase their dreams. It is fitting that our designs take their inspiration from some of the most interesting women in history. The Derling Edit takes its name from Yu Der Ling (裕德龄), a Princess who served as lady-in-waiting to Empress Dowager Cixi (慈禧太后). Let us introduce you to the life of this fascinating woman who continues to captivate and inspire us all.
Der Ling was the daughter of a Chinese nobleman who served as a foreign minister in Japan and France. He had revolutionarily progressive views on educating children, including both his daughters. Der Ling enjoyed the benefits of a western education in Paris and was taught how to speak both English and French, as well as the art of dance alongside Isadora Duncan, an acclaimed American dancer.
After returning to China, Der Ling became Empress Cixi’s first lady-in-waiting in 1902. Her time in France would provide Der Ling with the unique experience to assist Empress Cixi with dealing with foreign ministers by translating their conversations. Der Ling’s brother, Xunling, would be responsible for taking the only photographs of Empress Cixi that we have today. She was given the title of ‘Princess’ by the Empress Cixi, due to her position as her first lady-in-waiting. The title was a reflection of Cixi's fondness for Der Ling.
She remained with Cixi until 1905 when her family moved to Shanghai. Der Ling would go on to publish her memoirs in the book entitled ‘Two Years in the Forbidden City’, giving a unique glimpse into the final years of the Qing Dynasty. The book was inspired by her desire to provide the world with a genuine portrayal of Empress Cixi, or the ‘Old Buddha’. The release came just before the 1911 revolution that brought an end to the Qing Dynasty.
Der Ling met her American husband Thaddeus C. White and moved to the United States in 1915. It was during this time that she began to teach Chinese at Berkeley, and continued to write several books and articles about her years with Cixi. Der Ling has continued to fascinate people all over the world, and her life was the subject of a book by Grant Hayter-Menzies released in 2008 that was entitled ‘Imperial Masquerade: The Legend of Princess Der Ling’.
The embroidered sequin fabric of our Derling Edit reflects the individuality and forward-thinking that was embodied by Princess Der Ling. Our beloved Derling jackets have appeared in Vogue and Tatler, a reflection of their ability to captivate your imagination and to encourage creativity. We hope that wearing the pieces from our Derling Edit will inspire you to follow your ambitions.
Our mission is to create versatile luxury to empower the SKYLENCE woman to use her power and talent to achieve her own success, and to look fabulous in the process. Let us help you embrace your inner Princess Der Ling!
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Each year is represented by one of the Chinese zodiacs. 2022 marks the Year of the Tiger – the third zodiac in the 12-year cycle. Lunar New Year is the most significant holiday in the Chinese calendar and a time for family and friends to come together to celebrate the year ahead.
Like any cultural celebration, Chinese New Year has its own customs and traditions that are followed. Businesses close for Lunar New Year to allow everyone to spend time with their friends and family.
Before Chinese New Year, families will clean their home as a way of getting ‘rid’ of the previous year, allowing them to start anew. It’s a common superstition that you shouldn’t clean your home at the start of Chinese New Year because you’ll be cleaning away the good luck.
Most homes will have an altar that is dedicated to their ancestors with food offered in celebration of them. On New Years’ Eve, families will come together to celebrate around their dining table. This extravagant meal often includes dumplings, which are traditionally made by hand following recipes that have been handed down through the generations. If you’re lucky, you might find a golden coin in a dumpling.
Children and unmarried adults receive red envelopes – known as ‘red pockets’ - with money from their elder relatives for good fortune. Like most New Year celebrations, firework displays are often organised, although this is traditionally to keep away bad spirits. Red and gold are colours you’ll find everywhere during Lunar New Year as they represent good luck and fortune for the year ahead.
The tiger is the third zodiac of the 12 traditionally used to keep track of time. Each of the zodiacs has its own personality traits. The tiger is known for its confidence, strength, and bravery. Those who are born during the year of the tiger are believed to have these traits and to be natural-born leaders. The Year of the Tiger will last from 1st February 2022 to 21st January 2023.
To celebrate the Year of the Tiger, here are our new 'Year of the Tiger' inspired pieces.
Our new Red Tiger Cardigan can take good luck with you wherever you go. As a traditional Chinese symbol, the tiger represents generosity, devotion, and excitement. If you want to wear your heart on your sleeve, there’s no better way than with the Chinese tiger. You can ring in the Lunar New Year with this effortlessly chic red tiger cardigan.
How are you ringing in the Chinese New Year? Tell us in the comments below!
]]>The Silk Road was an ancient trade route network between China and the West. It was established by the Han Dynasty in 130 BC and was active through to the 15th century when the Ottoman Empire cut off trade with the West. The Silk Road began in the modern Xi’an of Shaanxi province (Ancient Chang'an) in north-central China and the road stretched for 4,000 miles. As the name would suggest, it was used by merchants to export silk to Europe and to import wool and gold to the East. The Silk Road still exists in part today as a highway between Pakistan and Xinjiang, and the terminology of ‘Silk Road’ only appeared in the 19th century when it was used by German historian Ferdinand von Richthofen.
Exported from China, silk would become a sought-after material across the Western world and in particular in Rome, Greece and Egypt. The trade route to Greece began between the first and second century B.C and consequently, the ancient Greek word for China is “Seres”, which means “the land of silk”.
The merchandise would travel across the Silk Road in a caravan tract, usually using camels, and then would travel across the Mediterranean Sea to mainland Europe. As well as silk, the trade route would be used to transport tea, porcelain and spices from China to the West. One of the greatest legacies of the Silk Road is its cultural significance, and how it carried not only merchandise but also architecture, science and philosophy between the East and West.
China is synonymous with silk production, and the country had a monopoly on silk for generations, having created the original silk-making process of sericulture over 6,000 years ago. Silk was originally a status symbol, worn only by royalty while commoners were prohibited from wearing it, before it entered more general use, including in household items and even paper.
According to myth, the process of silk farming known as sericulture was created by Lady Xi Ling-shi (西陵氏), the wife of the Yellow Emperor who ruled China around 2,700BC, who started the practice of silkworm farming and created the loom used to make silk from the fibres. The process of silk-making was kept as a closely guarded secret for hundreds of years and is a long process that requires close attention throughout. The practice of sericulture expanded widely across China, with most women being trained in the art of silk production, as well as weaving and embroidery. By 500 BC, at least six provinces in China were producing silk. China held such pride in its silk production that anyone found smuggling silkworm eggs, or teaching the process of sericulture outside of China, could be punished by death.
At SKYLENCE, we are proud to integrate this important piece of Chinese heritage into our clothing and silk is featured in some of our most iconic designs. Our Lily Tea Dress, available in green and purple, invokes the glamour and simplicity of the 1930s and is crafted using floaty crepe silk. The elegant Short-Sleeved Quiaochu EMB Peacock Dress is a modern piece of art which features traditional Chinese motifs and has a white silk bodice for an added touch of heritage. Our ultra-feminine Summer Palace Ruffle Blouse is a workwear essential that is created using luxurious silk with the modern additions of ruffle cuffs and an oversized pussycat bow. For the minimalist, the Han City Vest is a pure silk garment featuring a woven dragon detailing to represent good luck and fortune. Finally, to give our Yanxi Embroidered and Windsor Ming coats a luxurious feel, we have incorporated silk lining into these garments that are inspired by European silhouettes as a nod to the legacy of Chinese silk.
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SKYLENCE proudly celebrates Earth Day today as we continue to produce beautiful clothes that are kind to the planet.
Fashion is one of the most polluting and wasteful industries in the world and we are doing our bit to change that by striving to limit our water consumption in production, minimising our shipping of fabric and utilising our high-quality ‘scrap’ fabric to turn it into extraordinary fashion.
Our founder was horrified at how bad fashion was for the planet, so when SKYLENCE was founded, it was crucial to us that women didn’t just look amazing in our clothes but that they could also feel amazing when shopping with us, knowing that they were supporting a female-founded brand that focuses on sustainability as a pillar of our ethics. We work with our women-led factories to ensure that nothing goes to waste in the production process. From using all the off-cuttings of fabric to minimising our single use plastic consumption, at SKYLENCE we are constantly striving to innovate fashion to be kinder to the planet. As a result of the care taken to make our clothes as kindly as possible and to the level of quality they are, it is worth it to know you’re doing your bit to save our planet (and looking great in SKYLENCE designs at the same time!). Our clothes are high quality and are made to last with timeless designs, when you buy a SKYLENCE garment, you get a beautiful piece for life.
In support of our beautiful planet, check out our green edit. #GoGreenWithSKYLENCE
]]>Today we’re presenting new pieces for Spring & Summer. We’ve reimagined a few of our favourites and created elevated pieces that blend East and West to empower the SKYLENCE woman. Each piece has a subtle nod to a part of our brand’s unique heritage, whether it’s the Crepe de Chine silk of our Plum Blossom dresses or the suffragette white of our pantsuits.
One of the motifs of this collection is the plum blossom, a Chinese flower that blooms in the face of adversity. We thought there was no better choice of flower to reflect the world we live in and the hopes we have for our post-pandemic lives. The plum blossom acts as a reminder in Chinese culture that spring will come, bringing with it hope and prosperity.
This print features on four garments – a pleated cap sleeve dress, sleeveless button-up dress, pussy-bow shirt, and a midi dress. We made each using Crepe de Chine silk, including a full silk lining, for a luxurious experience. This lightweight fabric means these pieces can take you through spring and summer with ease, reimagining the classic silhouettes with an elevated and feminine twist. For more details of each garment, visit our 'In Full Bloom' collection.
We’re paying homage to the suffragette movement with our white two-piece suit. This white pantsuit incorporates the colour of the suffragette movement and the women who continue to inspire us. The Yanxi Embroidered Jacket takes its inspiration from our favourite Yanxi EMB Coat, reimagining it as an everyday piece with a peplum silhouette. The jacket and matching Yanxi Embroidered Trousers feature hand-embroidered magnolia flowers, the first signs of spring. Magnolia flowers have been a symbol of purity since the Tang Dynasty (1st century) and became a favourite of Emperors of the Qing Dynasty. This pantsuit represents the essence of SKYLENCE and our philosophy of blending our unique heritages to create a contemporary piece.
Cardigans are one of our staple pieces at SKYLENCE, and we’ve reimagined our favourite silhouette for spring and summer. The Qiaochu Embroidered Cardigan features an embroidered peacock, which symbolises the idea of beauty and dignity in Chinese culture. It’s also the symbol of the Ming Dynasty as the manifestation of the Phoenix, with its hundred eyes bringing good fortune.
Our signature Derling Embroidered Dress has been given an update for spring and summer, with a shorter length for added versatility. It pays homage to Yu Der Ling, the progressive princess of the 19th century Qing Dynasty. The floral pattern takes its inspiration from the early Tang dynasty of the 1st century. With its shorter length, the Derling black and white dress is the perfect choice for any wedding or social occasion.
For our Spring/Summer 2021 campaign, we’ve partnered with the legendary shoe designer Nicholas Kirkwood. His shoes are worn by everyone from Hollywood royalty to British royalty, including the Duchess of Sussex. As a brand that designs shoes for “a brighter tomorrow”, Nicholas Kirkwood was the perfect collaborator for this campaign – which blends SKYLENCE’s heritage with our hopes for the brighter future.
You can now shop SKYLENCE’s new pieces for Spring & Summer through our official website.
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With SKYLENCE being a brand rooted in Chinese inspiration and culture, we welcome the fast approaching Chinese New Year as a time to focus on family, charity and new beginnings - things that we as a brand promote and support.
2021 is the 'Year of the Ox', which starts on February 12th and ends on January 31st, 2022. The Ox is the second of the 12-year zodiac cycle, with the last 'Year of the Ox' falling in 2009.
It is believed that the place of the Ox in the zodiac signs was set by the Jade Emperor, who placed the zodiacs in order of the arrival of the 12 animals. As the myth goes, the Ox would have been the first animal if it had not stopped to help the rat who later tricked him, allowing the rat to arrive first.
The Ox is an important animal in Chinese culture, as we see it as hardworking and reliable because of its role in agricultural work. Oxen are honest and kind, just like the Ox in the myth when he helped the rat. This zodiac represents those who are logical thinkers and often turn out to be excellent leaders. If you are a woman born during the 'Year of the Ox', your zodiac sign predicts you to be gentle and driven with a stubborn disposition.
To celebrate the Year of the Ox, we thought we would share a few of our favourite SKYLENCE pieces. Red symbolises ‘good luck’ in Chinese culture, and you can find it everywhere during Chinese New Year, and in our favourite SKYLENCE pieces.
Our Han Emperor and Han Empress coats embody the spirit of the new year. They feature the traditional Chinese dragon that symbolises strength and power.
Our Regency Phoenix Skirt is the perfect piece to wear while celebrating the New Year as it blends a western silhouette with the oriental phoenix print.
Are you looking for something more regal? Our red Yanxi EMB Coat features embroidered magnolia flowers around its collar and is an elegant choice for any professional woman who embodies the values of the hardworking Ox.
Our newly-released Yuanman Cashmere Jumper is understated elegance meets oriental design, with ‘Yuanman’ meaning happiness, joy, and a sense of fulfilment, all the things we wish for the new year. This feminine jumper is the ideal piece to wear while celebrating Chinese New Year. We hope that wearing this cashmere jumper brings you all the happiness you strive for each day in the brand new 2021!
Happy Year of the Ox! 牛年大吉!
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Throughout our collections, the iconic phoenix motif can often be spotted, having been carefully embroidered onto our garments. The Phoenix, or ‘feng huang’ as it is known in Chinese, is a crucial symbol in Chinese culture and the symbolism behind it emboldens our clothes. It is believed that the bird only appears in areas or places that are blessed with utmost peace, prosperity and happiness - we hope that these feelings are universalised across our garments as we strive to make clothes that not only look beautiful, but make the women who wear them feel beautiful.
Depictions of the ancient bird have appeared in China for over 8000 years. Originally phoenixes were shown in pairs with the male (‘feng’) and the female ('huang’) facing each other, but as time progressed the two were fused into one and the name became ‘Fenghuang’, in reference to a single phoenix. As a result of this combination of masculinity and femininity, the bird is said to embody yin and yang, a balance of energies. The Phoenix was further ingrained into Ancient Chinese culture by the famed philosopher Confucius, who used the five colours of the phoenix’s feathers (black, white, red, green and yellow) to represent the five virtues : the virtue of compassion, the virtue of honesty, the virtue of knowledge, the virtue of faith and the virtue of manners and integrity. Values which, at SKYLENCE, we hold as integral to our brand DNA. The phoenix motif has stayed relevant in Chinese culture up to the modern day and can often be seen in decorations for weddings, celebrations or for royalty across Asia. Often the phoenix is shown alongside a dragon, the phoenix representing intelligence and beauty and the dragon representing strength and bravery - another yin and yang metaphor
With such deep cultural relevance and such romanticised and important symbolism, the Phoenix was something we knew we had to include in our pieces. The bird can be found in pieces such as the Regency Phoenix Skirt, whose stunning red and gold embroidery, mixed with ornate needle work creates an alluring design. Check them out here.
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Staying home with SKYLENCE! Here are some tips from the SKYLENCE team on what we are doing to stay healthy, motivated and happy!
With SKYLENCE being a brand rooted in Chinese inspiration and culture, we welcome the fast approaching Chinese New Year as a time to focus on family, charity and new beginnings - things that we as a brand promote and support.
The story behind Chinese New Year starts with a mythical called The Nian attacking and eating villagers in the dead of night. One year, the villagers decided to hide from the Nian but an old man called Yanhuang decided to face the beast and seek revenge - all the villagers thought he was crazy. The old man put up red-papers and set off fireworks to scare off the beast. When the villagers returned, expecting to see their village destroyed, they were shocked to find that the old man had discovered the Nian could be scared off using loud noises and the colour red. Accordingly, to commemorate this, during Chinese New Year people wear red clothes, decorate with red scrolls and paper and set off lanterns and fireworks.
For the SKYLENCE women, her clothes act as a metaphor for the fireworks and red papers - we make garments that will empower women to fight any obstacle that comes into their lives…even the Nian!
This year, the Year of the Rat begins. It signifies wealth, surplus, the ability to spin adversity into success and furthering one’s career. Naturally, this coming year compliments Skylence’s brand message perfectly with our main aim being to empower and drive women to make real positive change in their personal and professional lives.
Whether you’re celebrating with friends, family or both, we wish you a very happy Chinese New Year and wish you health and prosperity from the team at SKYLENCE.
To compliment your New Years’ celebrations and to take advantage of our amazing Chinese New Years discount, consider sporting Skylence to elevate your look:
Our Yanxi Embroidered Coat is perfect for any celebration, with the rich red colour signifying propensity for the coming year.
Our newly-released Han Heritage Emperor Coat is ideal for any evening plans, with the red and gold trim promising wealth and happiness whilst featuring an exceptional, ornate dragon and phoenix print.
For either an elevated day look or refined evening looking, our Derling Collection is perfect. The jacket, dresses, skirts and trousers come in either black or white with the colourful floral embroidered representing the new blooms and new chances at life of the new year. The dazzling pearl embellishments on the jacket, according to Chinese tradition, protect from fire and dragons - so no need to worry about the Nian whilst wearing SKYLENCE!
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Chinese art has been a massive inspiration behind the creation of the SKYLENCE brand and the pieces we produce. Traditional Chinese painting, calligraphy and embroidery in particular play a central role in the details we adorn our pieces with and we therefore thought it would be interesting to give an insight into a little of the history of each of these artistic mediums.
Chinese painting:
Chinese painting is one of the oldest continuous artistic traditions in the world. Painting in the traditional style is known today in Chinese as guóhuà(國畫), meaning ‘national’ or ‘native painting’. Traditional painting involves essentially the same techniques as calligraphy and is done with a brush dipped in black ink or coloured pigments; oils are not used. Artists use ink and water-based colour on paper or silk to create traditional tableaus, most often depicting landscapes, flowers, animals, children and old people etc.. The themes are variations of earlier compositions, continuing a solid historical thread. The differences are in the details.
As with calligraphy, the most popular materials on which paintings are made are paper and silk. The finished work can be mounted on scrolls, such as hanging scrolls or handscrolls. Traditional painting can also be done on album sheets, walls, lacquerware, folding screens, and other media.
Calligraphy:
In China, calligraphy is referred to as shūfǎ (書法/书法), literally 'way/method/law of writing'. Chinese calligraphy appreciated more or only for its aesthetic quality has a long tradition, and is today regarded as one of the Chinese arts. Chinese calligraphy focuses not only on methods of writing but also on cultivating one's character and taught as a pursuit.
Chinese calligraphy and Chinese Painting are closely related: they are accomplished using similar tools and techniques, and have a long history of shared artistry. Distinguishing features of Chinese painting and calligraphy include an emphasis on motion charged with dynamic life. According to the Welsh actor Stanley-Baker, "Calligraphy is sheer life experienced through energy in motion that is registered as traces on silk or paper, with time and rhythm in shifting space its main ingredients." Calligraphy has also led to the development of many forms of art in China, including seal carving, ornate paperweights, and inkstones.
Embroidery:
Shanghai Embroidery: Shanghai Embroidery is known as ‘Su Xiu’ (苏绣)--Suzhou embroidery is crafted in areas around Suzhou in Jiangsu Province and Shanghai, having a history dating back 2,000 years. It is famous for its beautiful patterns, elegant colours, variety of stitches, and consummate craftsmanship. Its stitching is meticulously skillful, coloration subtle and refined. Suzhou artists are able to use more than 40 needlework and a 1,000 different types of threads to make embroidery, typically with nature and environment themes such as flowers, birds, animals and even gardens on a piece of cloth.
A rare subset is Su double-sided embroidery which requires the ultimate skill and artistry. The front and back of the piece can contain different designs, but as the ends aren’t knotted but instead woven the back can't be distinguished.
Yue Xiu/Guang Xiu (粤绣/广秀) – Guangdong (Cantonese) embroidery is crafted in Chaozhou, Guangdong Province. It is composed of intricate but symmetrical patterns, vibrant colours, varied stitches and a defined weave. Its use of primary colours, light and shade are reminiscent of western paintings.
In the middle of the Ming Dynasty (circa 1500s), due to the convenience of Guangdong's coastal trade exchanges, Guangdong embroidery started to become famous overseas. At the beginning of the Qing Dynasty, the British took their costumes to the embroidery studios in Guangzhou to be crafted. Queen Elizabeth I in particular appreciated China's gold threads and silver embroideries. She organised embroidered workshops in the form of those in Guangdong for the Royal Family. From then on Britain started to import silk and threads from China to manufacture the embroidered costumes for the aristocracy. In the 18th century Chinese embroidery started to sweep through the British Royal familiy and high society. As a result the museums in Britain, France, Germany and the United States all have Cantonese embroidery as a huge collection.
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