Well Japan Fashion Week has come to a close but my involvement in the Japanese Fashion Scene has not! I am heading to Tokyo this Monday to attend the writtenafterwards graduation examination show. You can visit their website here. Be sure to read the latest Tokyo Weekender for some inside information on the best stores to visit in Tokyo here, written by Kelly Wetherille!
This month I was also featured by the fabulous Canadian LouLou Magazine. Thanks to Shay of The Ongoing Project for scanning me and sending me the clip! I also completed an interview with Miranda from Stylebyfire (Vancouver) which you can view here. My amazing computer wiz sister will be helping me do some much needed renovations to my blog as well in the next few weeks. Watch out for some exciting new changes. A new banner is in the works as well but it's a surprise!!
Tuesday, March 31, 2009
Saturday, March 28, 2009
Bubble N' Squeak - Reem Alasadi-Fall 2009 RTW
Reem Alasadi was born in Iraq and grew up in London. She actively participates in fashion events throughout the world. She started her own vintage remake shop in 2003 and has been presenting collections in Laforet Harajuku since 2005. She also shows collections at London Fashion Week. You can visit her website by clicking here.
A Gothic Renaissance show, this was truly the "dramatic spectacle" that the designer intended. There were white, fringed, layered and tiered dresses, big silver jewels, black leggings and black eyes, feathers and sequins, leather and lace and lips in every color. Puffed sleeves and high necked blouses became modern when combined with long, layered, casually wrinkled skirts. A fitted black jump suit with a pink sequined top underneath, was a standout as was the pink knitted jump suit with hood and cape. Oranges, blues, browns, reds, pinks, and purples warmed up a dark, cold space. Long, fringed vests and short, black fitted jackets with silver studs were versatile and wearable right into Spring.
*Although the invitation to this fabulous event included the address and maps were available, the entrance needed to be clearly flagged. A blow up of the invitation and Tokyo Fashion Week banners would really help. Many of the maps for Tokyo Fashion Week were only in Japanese. It might help to have them translated into English as well for International buyers and visitors.
Credit to Luke the Photographer.
Flowers to greet visitors.
Thanks to Luke for these incredible close ups!
The models wore an incredible variety of bold lipstick colors
wild up-dos and dark make-up!
There was a lot of layering but somehow
it all fit together. These pieces are interesting
and different than anything we have seen this week!
Magnificent!
A Gothic Renaissance show, this was truly the "dramatic spectacle" that the designer intended. There were white, fringed, layered and tiered dresses, big silver jewels, black leggings and black eyes, feathers and sequins, leather and lace and lips in every color. Puffed sleeves and high necked blouses became modern when combined with long, layered, casually wrinkled skirts. A fitted black jump suit with a pink sequined top underneath, was a standout as was the pink knitted jump suit with hood and cape. Oranges, blues, browns, reds, pinks, and purples warmed up a dark, cold space. Long, fringed vests and short, black fitted jackets with silver studs were versatile and wearable right into Spring.
*Although the invitation to this fabulous event included the address and maps were available, the entrance needed to be clearly flagged. A blow up of the invitation and Tokyo Fashion Week banners would really help. Many of the maps for Tokyo Fashion Week were only in Japanese. It might help to have them translated into English as well for International buyers and visitors.
Credit to Luke the Photographer.Flowers to greet visitors.
Thanks to Luke for these incredible close ups!The models wore an incredible variety of bold lipstick colors
wild up-dos and dark make-up!
Japan Fashion Week Photos
There was a lot of layering but somehowit all fit together. These pieces are interesting
and different than anything we have seen this week!
Magnificent!"It Twists it" 2009-2010 Collection by Yukiko Hanai-Fall 2009 RTW
Yukiko Hanai established her label Atelier Hanai in 1964. She has won many awards throughout her career including the Japan Fashion Editor's Club (1973) and the Senken Buyers Award (2003). She believes that "design should be available for all aspects of life." She also designs for design and film. For more information you can visit her website here.
The invitation to see this collection is a work of art and a souvenir for a fantastic show! There were line-ups before 1:00 and at 1:30 the house was full with rows of people standing at the back. The audience was dressed for this event. I spotted a brilliant red, ruffled, high collared, long dress beside an elegantly tailored black suit, a mauve suit jacket with a diamond and pearl broach, a black suit with white lapels, cuffs and pouf, fedoras and top hats and many spectacular kimonos before the lights went down and the dancers spun their way down the center of the room.
The models' white fluffed hair looked like spun snow and feathers, lace and chiffon were also a light, wintery white. The jackets, the jackets! High collared, wide belted and beautifully detailed and fitted, they looked cozy and warm but sleek and stylish. A fitted black short jacket featured lots of silver zippers. Purses with feathers, fringes, fur and a myriad of colors, complimented outfits perfectly. Black leggings and patterned stockings looked great in combination with high heels and short skirts. Teal blue, warm, sunny orange, pink and red added warmth and it was almost spring as the black dress with white and green flowers appeared. The show ended with a shower of colored papers like leaves in the Fall. Another amazing show!
Credit to Luke the Photographer!
Incredible detailing.
Love the color! One can just imagine
how this dress floated down the runway!
The invitation to see this collection is a work of art and a souvenir for a fantastic show! There were line-ups before 1:00 and at 1:30 the house was full with rows of people standing at the back. The audience was dressed for this event. I spotted a brilliant red, ruffled, high collared, long dress beside an elegantly tailored black suit, a mauve suit jacket with a diamond and pearl broach, a black suit with white lapels, cuffs and pouf, fedoras and top hats and many spectacular kimonos before the lights went down and the dancers spun their way down the center of the room.
The models' white fluffed hair looked like spun snow and feathers, lace and chiffon were also a light, wintery white. The jackets, the jackets! High collared, wide belted and beautifully detailed and fitted, they looked cozy and warm but sleek and stylish. A fitted black short jacket featured lots of silver zippers. Purses with feathers, fringes, fur and a myriad of colors, complimented outfits perfectly. Black leggings and patterned stockings looked great in combination with high heels and short skirts. Teal blue, warm, sunny orange, pink and red added warmth and it was almost spring as the black dress with white and green flowers appeared. The show ended with a shower of colored papers like leaves in the Fall. Another amazing show!
Credit to Luke the Photographer!
Incredible detailing.Love the color! One can just imaginehow this dress floated down the runway!
Friday, March 27, 2009
It's A New Little World - Han Ahn Soon Collection-Fall 2009 RTW
Designer Han has been presenting her collections at Japan Fashion Week since 2003! Her pieces are representative of "POP LIFE" and combine a "daily elegance and vivid passion." Her pieces are "for beautiful, elegant women who are strong but soft, cool but cute." For more information visit her site here.
The white runway was covered in plastic which was removed right before the show. This reinforced the idea of new and fresh, like the collection. This Autumn and Winter exhibition could easily work for Spring, as well. There were lots of whites and pastels, sleeveless tops and vests, shorts and short skirts. Many of the high heeled sandals and wedges matched the outfits. More fur embellishments and trims here! Vibrant blues and greens were prominent and could definitely function well throughout the year. The oranges and reds, against the white background, gave this collection an Eastern European flavor. The designs on the belts and dress panels looked as if they were embroidered. Coin belts and necklaces fit right in with the peasant blouses, soft suede boots and swinging, flouncy skirts. These were "the many costumes of the world - a new, little world."
Images by Luke the Photographer!
The white runway was covered in plastic which was removed right before the show. This reinforced the idea of new and fresh, like the collection. This Autumn and Winter exhibition could easily work for Spring, as well. There were lots of whites and pastels, sleeveless tops and vests, shorts and short skirts. Many of the high heeled sandals and wedges matched the outfits. More fur embellishments and trims here! Vibrant blues and greens were prominent and could definitely function well throughout the year. The oranges and reds, against the white background, gave this collection an Eastern European flavor. The designs on the belts and dress panels looked as if they were embroidered. Coin belts and necklaces fit right in with the peasant blouses, soft suede boots and swinging, flouncy skirts. These were "the many costumes of the world - a new, little world."
Images by Luke the Photographer!
You can really see how the colors and florals worked
together in the collection. Notice the pom
poms on the sandals!
together in the collection. Notice the pom
poms on the sandals!
LESS THAN Collection - Ohal Ando - Fall 2009 RTW
Designer Ohal Ando has been an active participant in the fashion industry since he first created his DOPPEL GÄNGER label with a friend in 1997. In 2006, he created a women's clothing line, lessthan and showed it at Tokyo Collection. He moved back to Tokyo (2007) after extensive traveling and created his men's clothing line Less than Zero. He decided to establish one cohesive brand called LESSTHAN shortly after. He currently works with a variety of artists and musicians to create his pieces. For more information click here.
As a first time visitor to Tokyo, I have been impressed by the many beautifully tailored, sharply pressed business suits, crisp overcoats and polished shoes, a sea of black, white and tan. Yet, always, there is just the slightest touch of added style: a scarf, a two toned leather briefcase, a colorful silk tie, silver cell-phone trinkets... The promotional package for this show included a purple acrylic Bow Tie and that certainly hinted of new and fresh styles to come. The Jimi Hendrix "Purple Haze" played by "niumun" reinforced the themes of vibrant color, creativity, energy and that extra nod to style. The special models looked very individual and natural -almost as if they were outside and going about their every day activities. Although black and white made an appearance, the black trench coat was shorter and edgier than a classic trench and suits featured lots of zippers and colors, including a red one with a long sleeved, purple T underneath. Pants tended to be narrow and fitted and were different styles and lengths. The cuffed jeans looked neat! I liked the red cargo jacket with matching red runners. The red, grey, and black plaids were also eye-catching. The sweaters came in a variety of colors, designs and necklines. It was great to see v-necks instead of the more common round necked, crew sweaters. Fedoras, leather boots, vests, Bow Ties, stripes and plaids and purples, pinks and yellows made this collection an easy transition from Fall into Spring.
Purple purple!
As a first time visitor to Tokyo, I have been impressed by the many beautifully tailored, sharply pressed business suits, crisp overcoats and polished shoes, a sea of black, white and tan. Yet, always, there is just the slightest touch of added style: a scarf, a two toned leather briefcase, a colorful silk tie, silver cell-phone trinkets... The promotional package for this show included a purple acrylic Bow Tie and that certainly hinted of new and fresh styles to come. The Jimi Hendrix "Purple Haze" played by "niumun" reinforced the themes of vibrant color, creativity, energy and that extra nod to style. The special models looked very individual and natural -almost as if they were outside and going about their every day activities. Although black and white made an appearance, the black trench coat was shorter and edgier than a classic trench and suits featured lots of zippers and colors, including a red one with a long sleeved, purple T underneath. Pants tended to be narrow and fitted and were different styles and lengths. The cuffed jeans looked neat! I liked the red cargo jacket with matching red runners. The red, grey, and black plaids were also eye-catching. The sweaters came in a variety of colors, designs and necklines. It was great to see v-necks instead of the more common round necked, crew sweaters. Fedoras, leather boots, vests, Bow Ties, stripes and plaids and purples, pinks and yellows made this collection an easy transition from Fall into Spring.
Purple purple!Thursday, March 26, 2009
G.V.G.V. Collection - Designer; MUG-Fall 2009 RTW
The designer for the G.V.G.V. house, MUG, graduated from Kuwasawa Design School and launched her line in 1999. She has participated in shows such as the Designer's Invitation Project (2007) hosted by UNIQLO and the Designer's Invitation Project for UT (2008). You can visit her website here for more information!
The room was full and there were double rows of people standing behind the seats. As the lights went down, there was silence. Two screens showing bare, dark trees, shifted and moved and the show began. It was a Fall collection of faux fur vests, tall boots, leggings, caps and blacks, greys and whites with some muted blues and pinks. Skirts and dresses were short and fitted. Shoulders were big and padded, while sleeves were futuristic. Cloaks were in evidence as were pockets, belts big buttons and shiny zippers and glittering sequins. Fringes were details on tops, boots and hems. MUG is all about creating looks where masculinity and femininity exist. The masculine booties, buckles, and futuristic cuts were balanced with soft feathers and rhinestones. The mixing of textures in the collection as well as the dramatic eye make up made for an exciting show!
Photo credit for the first three images to
Luke the photographer!
A very futuristic looking jacket!
Japan Fashion Week Photos
Look at the buckled boots!
More fur here. Love the fitted top
and voluminous skirt combination!
More buckled booties.
The room was full and there were double rows of people standing behind the seats. As the lights went down, there was silence. Two screens showing bare, dark trees, shifted and moved and the show began. It was a Fall collection of faux fur vests, tall boots, leggings, caps and blacks, greys and whites with some muted blues and pinks. Skirts and dresses were short and fitted. Shoulders were big and padded, while sleeves were futuristic. Cloaks were in evidence as were pockets, belts big buttons and shiny zippers and glittering sequins. Fringes were details on tops, boots and hems. MUG is all about creating looks where masculinity and femininity exist. The masculine booties, buckles, and futuristic cuts were balanced with soft feathers and rhinestones. The mixing of textures in the collection as well as the dramatic eye make up made for an exciting show!
Photo credit for the first three images toLuke the photographer!
A very futuristic looking jacket!Japan Fashion Week Photos
Look at the buckled boots!
More fur here. Love the fitted topand voluminous skirt combination!
More buckled booties.
Jotaro Saito - "The Marbling"
A large crowd gathered well before the noon opening and by 1:00, it was a full house. Jotaro Saito is one of Japan's foremost Kimono designers and many women wore them to the show and brightened a room darkened in preparation for "The Marbling". He works to create pieces that incorporate both tradtional and contemporary styles. He regularly holds shows in kimono and department stores throughout Japan. As one of the youngest fashion designers, Saito mixes the traditional with the modern, and the kimonos shown today reflect that mix, both in form and design. The Japanese models, men and women, were graceful and communicative with the audience. As they walked, individually or in pairs, they paused and turned several times, displaying the fluidity of the material and also the exquisite range of pattern: geometric, floral, stripes or combinations. Swirling greens, greys, browns, blacks, silvers and bright yellows and oranges really caught the eye. The denim material in the men's kimonos was an especially unusual and creative touch. Every gesture had meaning and displayed the kimono and the accessories to perfection. Great pride in culture and sharing its rich history and place in the world were obvious.
Jotaro Saito also designs furniture, luggage and art and creates for movie sets, museums, shopping areas and hotels. I was charmed by two women from the Tokyo Peninsula Hotel who invited me to visit and see Jotaro's lobby design and art. He works to create the Japanese spirit "wa" through his creations. More details to follow when I go this May. You can visit his website here for more information.
Men's denim kimonos!
Jotaro Saito also designs furniture, luggage and art and creates for movie sets, museums, shopping areas and hotels. I was charmed by two women from the Tokyo Peninsula Hotel who invited me to visit and see Jotaro's lobby design and art. He works to create the Japanese spirit "wa" through his creations. More details to follow when I go this May. You can visit his website here for more information.
Japan Fashion Week Images
Men's denim kimonos!
Wednesday, March 25, 2009
The Dress and Co. by Hideaki Sakaguchi: Luna De Margarita Fall 2009 RTW
Yesterday we went to The Dress and Co Fashion Show. It was held at the Laforet Museum in Harajuku. While we were waiting in line I had my photo taken by a photographer from FashionSnap.com (a Japanese Street Photography site) and the photos should be up in the next month or so. Will keep you posted! The setting of the show was very moody and when we arrived it was very dark and there were dimly lit lamps lighting the room. When the show began the lights came on and the steam machines started as the models came out onto the runway. I was lucky enough to have a front row seat and actually got some great pictures! The first few are the ones I took and you can see the Japan Fashion Week runway photos below them.
Hideaka Sakaguchi graduated with a degree in interior design from Hosei University. He worked at Designers' Maison and then created his own company, Jelly Garcia in 2002. In 2008 his collection was shown at RENDEZ-VOUS Paris and he has continually been gaining orders from around the world. The label was renamed The Dress and Co. for this year's collection. You can visit his website here.
The collection was quite different than anything I have seen lately. The models had extremely teased hair with a single braid in the back and bright red lips. Many of them wore converse sneakers embellished with beautiful flowers. I wasn't too keen on the sneakers but the whole theme seemed to work well. Knee length suede boots were prominent too. The collection was all about layers and varying dress lengths. There were some beautiful dresses that we saw both dressed up and dressed down. Some great baggy and casual winter coats with fur embellishments went down the runway as well. Many of the dresses were made of soft light cremes and whites and featured delicate floral patterns. The models seemed to float down the runway as if they were on a foggy lake surface. It was magical!
A very stylish looking gentleman waiting
for the show to begin!
The scene when we arrived.
The setting of the show.
And it begins..
This final dress was quite stunning!
The finale.
Two lovely models after the show!
Japan Fashion Week Organization Photos
Hideaka Sakaguchi graduated with a degree in interior design from Hosei University. He worked at Designers' Maison and then created his own company, Jelly Garcia in 2002. In 2008 his collection was shown at RENDEZ-VOUS Paris and he has continually been gaining orders from around the world. The label was renamed The Dress and Co. for this year's collection. You can visit his website here.
The collection was quite different than anything I have seen lately. The models had extremely teased hair with a single braid in the back and bright red lips. Many of them wore converse sneakers embellished with beautiful flowers. I wasn't too keen on the sneakers but the whole theme seemed to work well. Knee length suede boots were prominent too. The collection was all about layers and varying dress lengths. There were some beautiful dresses that we saw both dressed up and dressed down. Some great baggy and casual winter coats with fur embellishments went down the runway as well. Many of the dresses were made of soft light cremes and whites and featured delicate floral patterns. The models seemed to float down the runway as if they were on a foggy lake surface. It was magical!
A very stylish looking gentleman waitingfor the show to begin!
The scene when we arrived.
The setting of the show.
And it begins..
This final dress was quite stunning!
The finale.
Two lovely models after the show!Japan Fashion Week Organization Photos
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)
