Pretty Things Fashion...Japan Fashion Week

We have always loved Japanese fashion design for its innovation and inspiration, so naturally we're excited that Japan Fashion Week is in full swing.

For Fall 2009 RTW, Japanese designers are offering up plenty of theatrics and other interesting garb. Layers abound with delicate dresses, structured outerwear and innovative knits. Here, some of our favourites...





Everlasting Sprout {right & below}
Designer Keiichi Muramatsu once again played with the versatility of knits, working yarns both bulky and delicate into sweaters, dresses, shorts, and other cozy layers.

Mintdesigns

Designers Hokuto Katsui and Nao Yagi are known for their quirky prints and distinctly Tokyo style sense. Once again, they delivered on that front — albeit with slightly darker undertones this season. Yagi said...this show "represents a rebellion" against the fashion system. The result? Models bearing crowns of thorns and colorful masks showed off a mix of plasticized ponchos, delicately embroidered pieces in gray and white and dresses bearing velour skeleton motifs.

Matohu

Designers Hiroyuki Horihata and Makiko Sekiguchi once again mined a distinctly Japanese theme to stunning effect, turning out a lovely batch of kimono-style wrap dresses and coats almost entirely in black silks and jacquards.

Support Surface

Designer Norio Surikabe turned out another signature minimalist collection featuring tapered pants, dresses with voluminous shoulders and tailored jackets. The palette was heavy on pinstripes and gray, punctuated with bursts of silver, midnight blue and yellow.

The Dress & Co.

Making its debut at Japan Fashion Week, this newly launched collection had a romantic European peasant vibe. Hideaki Sakaguchi turned out a collection of dainty dresses with handkerchief hems and billowy blouses. There were many luscious layers of silk tulle, lace and cotton shirting material.

Photos...Yuko Isobe
source: WWD