When you browse our online store, you’ll notice that about one-third of our collection is distinguished by subtle Oriental styling.  We’ve gotten a lot of flattering feedback on these Eastern touches from our customers and friends (thank you all!), so I wanted to share where the inspiration comes from.

It’s Chinese classical dance–the sights, sounds and silhouettes that I grew up with.  And what is Chinese classical dance?  I don’t think I can do it enough justice by summarizing it in a sentence, but here’s a photo that provides a sampling.  Titled Moon Night, this is a dance that I performed in many, many years ago–at age 15.  The set was sublimely beautiful, the music liltingly lyrical, and the steps expertly choreographed like a seamless wave.  When I started sketching the designs for the first Om Republic collection, memories from my growing up years as a dance student naturally came flooding back.  The result?  Several styles that were inspired by the essence and fluidity Chinese classical dance.

p.s. … and in case you’re wondering, that’s me in the front row, leftmost, in a backbend.