Japonica - West Meets East in Beautiful Victorian Fashions

Inspired by the Japanese Butterfly, Luehdorfia Japonica, artist Andrea Helen Smith depicts the European influence on Japan during the Victorian era. Andrea created a beautiful wardrobe of bustled gowns and kimonos in the color palette of the butterfly—shades of blue yellow, rust, cream and pops of red. Accessories and props represent traditions of both cultures, such as Earl Grey tea, lemon macarons and croquet of the West, and matcha tea, rice dumplings and temari (handball) of the East. Descriptive notes provide fascinating insight into this mix of cultures.