European imperialism in Asia sparked Orientalism and a fasci…
European imperialism in Asia sparked Orientalism and a fascination with the cultures of Asian colonies. French fascination with Asian colonies took the form of fashion. Designer Paul Poiret patterned his chic dresses after themes from both Africa and Asia. Similarly, the celebrated French courtesan, , appeared at the 1889 Paris World’s Fair in an outfit celebrating Cambodia, which was a French colony at the time. While her stylized and stereotypical attire did not reflect actual Cambodian dress or culture, it nonetheless captured the imaginations of French fairgoers and increased the French people’s fascination with their Asian colonies.