The Michelin Guide top-starred Tokyo as the world's gastronomic capital this year, but the city's sartorial scene may now be just as appetizing as it gradually garners more and more global attention with its fashion menu extending from streetwear avant-garde to "quirky-cute" confections and a veritable smorgasbord of couture-like detailing. Altogether, indeed, the Spring/Summer season's Japan Fashion Week that's just ended served up a feast of 37 shows over five days — and to savor the best of Tokyo's fashion fare on offer, simply read on . . .
The ever-popular Mintdesigns kicked off the official JFW schedule on the Midtown Tokyo terrace. Designers Hokuto Katsui and Nao Yagi had Tokyo Collection regulars perking up as they delivered a more sleek and muted Mint than usual, with a hint of architectural lines and sharp folds. Their "Death Pop" theme was a funky take on the ultimate demise of extinction; Stegosaurus and T-Rex bones danced on loose A-line dresses in tones of black and white, and blue and pink. The patterns were a whimsical juxtaposition on ultrafeminine details such as ruffles and ribbons as the label is poised to extend the reach of kawaii (cute) Tokyo fashion by apparently getting distribution in such places as Jordan and Russia.
Bones were also on the mind of Hiroko Ito for her brand Hisui, but these were of the human variety in her collection titled "Physical." Her details abstractly mimicked the skeletal form, with thick straps draped to form rib cages, and tucks and folds conjuring a spine. While rather chic, Ito couldn't shy away from a kitsch touch, adding stuffed-animal-type bones stuck to collars and arms.