Kachō-ga | AW20

Evoking the spirit of Kyoto's Kinkaku-ji Zen Buddhist temple, with its fusion of geometry and nature, the AW20 'Kachō-ga' collection brought together rich colours, striking shapes and an exclusive seasonal embroidery, celebrating Japan's flora and fauna. 

Moodboard

AW20 was influenced by the Japanese artistic genre of Kachō-ga/花鸟画 —also known as bird and flower paintings—and traditional lacquer-work, known as Shikki (漆器). Favoured by the court nobility and admired by Zen monks for their fine detail and playful poetry, Kachō-ga paintings often depict native birds, wild grasses and delicate blooms. These works of art were not merely depictions of nature; the flowers and birds displayed have symbolic significance, with layers of meaning hidden behind their arrangement. 
Shikki lacquerware also features scenes from nature, alongside stills from classical literature and elaborate patterns, painted using gold or silver powders to stand out against the vibrant red or black lacquer. Many believe that ownership and display of such objects indicates a level of sophistication and taste. 
 

 Inspired by the paintings, Pia created seasonal embroidery that depicts a forest of maple trees and intricate Waxwing birds, capturing the essence of the bird and flower paintings. Paired with cruelty-free silk in rich gold, vibrant Scarlet and Jet black, the AW20 range evoked the craftman ship of Kachō-ga.

The Ranges

Noa 'Love'

An autumnal take on your iconic risqué styles, Noa's sheer panels wrap the body in a forest of illusion embroidery, paired with criss-crossing peace silk straps and finished with signature 24k gold plated hardware flair. The showstopper of the AW20 collection, Noa has become another Studio Pia cult favourite. 

Yuna 'Gentle'

Yuna's elegant golden birds flutter over the skin, gently sculpting and supporting in all the right places. A collection of some of our best-loved shapes, Yuna featured an improved new cup to extend the size range. Yuna went on to be revived with Jet silk in 2021.

Kana 'Powerful' 

Kana's smoothing panels of structured silk contrasted with glimpses of exquisite embroidered tulle, bringing together aspects of shapewear with couture-inspired touches, all wrapped up with a silken bow. 

Clea 'Glory'

The Clea range was refreshed for AW20, making the most risqué version yet, featuring a new Frame Bra, Strap Suspender and a naughty Ouvert Knicker in our signature golden silk.

Petra 'Rock of Aphrodite'

Refreshed in the same ivory peace silk used for Pia's own bridal bodysuit, the Petra ivory range was perfect for winter weddings and pairing with the Soraya Ivory robe.

Shoot Credits

Photography: Benjamin Kaufmann
Makeup: Em-J Williams
Hair: Nicole Harrowell
Jewellery Supplied By Emma Ware at Ware London
Back to Collection Archive

Share this