Well-preened

Japanese apparel brand Agosto threw a big bash last month to celebrate 15 years of success in the industry. The label has garnered a slew of followers through online distributors and boutiques from Fukuoka to Niigata stocking a range of clothes from the casual to the unconventionally cool. Fashion aficionados scramble to pick up original and edgy casualwear from their successful in-house labels such as Fullnelson and Praha, as well as the more cerebral highend pieces they stock from import labels including Jean-Pierre Braganza, Annhagen and London-based Preen. Preen's designing duo of Justin Thornton and Thea Bregazzi (pictured right) were on hand to help celebrate the anniversary against a video backdrop of their shows over the years and with a selection of their past works on display. As could be seen from the exhibit, the label's clothes get the stamp of outre approval as they stretch, cup and slither around the body's frame. This almost artificial intelligence they display stems from the use of complex designs and fabrics. (Misha Janette)

Tel: (03) 3770-6141; www.agosto.co.jp