Luxe by Plugin

Luxe by Plugin is a special exhibition hosting designers from around the world but especially from Japan. The event took place at Bellesale in Roppongi. The first floor featured clothing and the second featured beauty products and household goods. This was my second time attending the Luxe by Plugin show. Each designer has their own booth and press and visitors can speak with them and look at their collections. There were a few designers I recognized from last year and a few new ones too! The designers were eager to chat and show us their creations. Thanks to all for answering our questions!

Shida Tatsuya

I am really fond of Shida's work. Last year he presented a collection at the Shinmai Creator's Project. He is from Shizuoka and he even has a store in my home town city of Numazu! This year he was inspired by '80s looks and fabrics. He loves dying materials and changing them into his own eclectic creations. His pieces were more subtle this year, geared toward everyday where but just as intricately crafted. Keep your eye out for Shida Tatsuya in the future!

Shida with one of his favorite pieces.

Fumio

Designer Akiyama started his career working with Issey Miyake in 1979 before establishing his own company, A. WORK STUDIO in 1996. He signed a contract with Sanyo Shokai in 1999 and was chief designer of TAOC. He started his own label, FUMIO in May 2003 and also showed his first collection at Japan Fashion Week. He has been presenting his work at ATMOSPHERE Paris since October 2006. You can visit his website here.

Akiyama cuts and alters fabrics to make unique pieces that are not seen anywhere else in Japan. The material selection and production all take place in Japan. He is incredibly skilled at using materials to mimic others, for instance, there was one beautiful top that was made of polyester but felt like silk! Akiyama usually shows his collection bi-annually in Paris.

Akiyama is known for his
unique three dimensional cuts.

Numb Plural Shoes

I have never seen any shoes like these before! They are handmade...rightdown to the shoe laces. The theme for this season was taking out the unnecessary parts of shoes. For every different pair of shoes I saw, there was a different design. The looks are originally created perfectly and then altered by distressing afterward.

The designer, Machiko Yoshizoe, was incredibly helpful and eager to talk about the brand. The label's original inception was geared towards men's shoes, but since last November they have been designing for women too. She also introduced us to her booth neighbor, Cover.

The Numb Plural Booth.

Cover

This label is particularly inspired by Okinawa. The designer, Issei Higa, created the looks using Yukari material. The clothes were immaculately designed and great for casual day wear. Visit the website here.

The designers from Numb Plural
and Numb Shoes together!

Sakagu chi-ko

More shoes! There were some definite eye-catchers here! There were casual as well as more elegant evening looks. These shoes are produced in Japan and sold at select department stores.

Fabulous boots of course!

Magic Stone/Nandamo Premium Soap

On the cosmetics and household products floor we met the CEO and designers of The Magic Stone Nandamo Premium Soap. They were eager to tell us about their unique product and even gave us a sample. I have yet to try it yet but I am sure it will be fabulous! The soap is made of natural products. Unfortunately the website is only in Japanese but you can visit the site here.

Cutting the stone.