Original looks from the East

Evolving designs let the whole family greet the Lunar year in style

RICHARD WALKER / RWALKER@STARBULLETIN.COM Chinese Barbie is sold out at www.barbiecollector.com and won't be in stock again 'til March.

CHINA'S rise as an economic superpower may have started with copycat consumer goods, cheap electronics and computer chips, but globalization is making its impact in every industry, from food to cars to clothing.

A peek at the racks at Shanghai Tang, at Ala Moana Center, over the past few years has revealed an evolution in clothing design, with an eye toward dressing the global jet-setter as well as continuing to please Chinese aunties.

You can still find the traditional mandarin collar and boxy kung fu jacket, but you'll also find fringed Western collars, leather jackets trimmed with rivets and jade, and modern graphic prints in bold colors in tops and dresses that look as if they were designed in New York or Paris, with comparable prices.

Shanghai Tang's spring/ summer 2006 collections for men and women will begin arriving at the end of this month, and, based on catalog images, look bold, original and colorful. Blues and reds are particularly dominant.

Women's garments and accessories make use of all the techniques -- beading, embroidery, cutwork, braiding and appliqué -- that Chinese artisans have, for years, applied toward bringing their own and Western designers' creations to dazzling life.

For men there will be silk knit pullovers, graphic T-shirts, cotton poplin shirts with a pagoda floral design, and Mao jackets in linen and denim.

The best thing for those dressing to celebrate the Lunar New Year -- with Chinatown celebrations taking place this weekend and next -- is that with Shanghai Tang's new look you can still dress in Chinese style without ever being mistaken for a waiter.

ELSEWHERE, beyond Chinatown:

» A limited number of Chinese zodiac T-shirts are available at Lucky Brand Jeans a few doors down from Shanghai Tang at Ala Moana Center. The San Francisco-based company is known for its jeans and casual wear with an urban East-meets-West aesthetic. Other current offerings include $148 satin track jackets for keiki bearing Asian motifs of dragons, tigers and phoenixes, and tiger motif men's track jackets in cotton, priced at $90.

» Mattel is celebrating the Lunar New Year with the introduction of its Festivals of the World Chinese New Year Barbie doll.

The raven-haired doll wears a silky red gown embellished with golden flowers and a phoenix, which drives away bad luck while bringing happiness. Butterflies and flowers in her hair symbolize long life and beauty.

Unfortunately, the $19.95 dolls have proven to be so popular, they're already out of stock at www.barbie-collector.com, although more are scheduled to become available on March 10.

» Even if you don't like dressing up yourself, you could mark the occasion by dressing up your or your child's playthings. At Hanai Bear in Pearlridge Uptown, two Chinese outfits ensure your stuffed girly, not grizzly, bears capture the spirit of the new year.

A cheongsam or a jacket and pants outfit sell for $15 each. Both outfits come with a matching purse. Matching shoes are $6.50 per pair. And if you don't have a bear, you can create your own on the spot for $16 to $22. Call 484-2327.