May 1st 2010 will see the opening of the Universal Exhibition in Shanghai and in celebration, Chanel are offering a selection of accessories and costume jewellery inspired by China.

The classic Chanel bags are entirely embroidered with dragon-red or jade-green sequins for evening and vermillion leather with a waterproof outer-shell for the day. A favourite is the take-away box handbags with embellished iconic symbols of Chanel, reworked with the recognisable Chinese font that spells out ‘take-away’ across the fabric.

A nod to Chinese art and folklore, dolls in traditional costume are worked in to earrings and necklaces and cuffs, whereas brooches and bracelets are wrought into the shape of a green, metal dragon and pearl. The elegant and quirky collection is a fitting homage to Asian designs and will be available in Chanel boutiques from May onwards.