When it comes to fashion, if it’s plain, minimalist and fantastic, it has to be Japanese. And the credit for giving Japanese fashion a strong presence in the global style map goes to Yohji Yamamoto, Issey Miyake, Kenzo, Hanae Mori, Rei Kawakubo and the likes for they crossed borders and gave a new definition to style while retaining their cultural sensibilities.
The city rolls out the red carpet for Japanese designers as Fashion Design Council of India (FDCI) has invited them to present Tokyo Fashion Week at WLIFW 2012. The fashion event will witness a joint fashion show by three designers from Japan — Anrealage, Mintdesigns and Takayuki Suzuki. In addition to the show, products and philosophies of 10 brands representing “10 Faces of the Tokyo Culture” will be on display at the WLIFW.
FDCI president Sunil Sethi says, “As fashion brings the two countries together, this initiative will be of great help in promoting cross-cultural relations.”
Masahiko Miyake of the Japan Fashion Week Organisation adds, “It is a step towards blending trend with tradition effectively. The hallmark of our design lies in its craftsmanship and attention to detail and we are confident of receiving an encouraging response from the Indian fashion fraternity.”
Hiroko Takahashi, an artist with Hirocoledge, has brought the traditional Kimono, obi and the art of origami to India. “Our aim is to break the stereotypical mindset of Japan. In our own country people are forgetting our culture, history and where we came from. Our designs aim to remind them of who we are, and how it is still relevant. India has a very rich cultural heritage and their use of colour is so unique. We are looking forward to knowing more about Indian design. We hope to collaborate with Indian craftsmen next,” says Takahashi.
Tropopause’s Kunimasa Yamada came to India almost 10 years ago and loved the hand-made feeling, texture and look of Indian wear. He says, “For India, we have brought our basic line and some of our seasonal themes. We have worked closely on these themes and the concepts are distinct. The climate of the two countries is different. So we chose what the Indian consumer would appreciate.”
During his maiden visit to India, Masayoshi Tobita of the jewellery brand e.m, saw that people here love large statement pieces. “It seems the bigger, the better. Hopefully, from our designs they can take away and appreciate the simple yet intricate designs we offer,” says Tobita.
Yu Yamada, president Method and a well-known buyer from Tokyo, knows what an international consumer wants. At the WLIFW, he has put together a full spectrum of products ranging from clothes that are traditional with a modern twist to electric appliances. Yu reveals that the presentation is simple and all the fixtures are from Muji, a Japanese design firm.
On his expectations from India, Yu adds, “There is a great interest in India for its contemporary art and design. India has a strong foundation with its textile design and the ability to manufacture. This is very valuable and allows for the design here to be versatile. This Tokyo Fashion Week should encourage exchange of ideas and designs for future associations.”