Fashion In Motion: Kansai Yamamoto

Kansai Yamamoto has been absent from the fashion scene for over 20 years, instead turning his creative hand to show production. Consequently, this Fashion in Motion was more like a celebration of his career, with as strong an emphasis on the production as on the clothes; models didn't strut, they danced in this life affirming show.

Psychedelic colours, traditional imagery, and camouflage print all combined to create a  rainbow army of urban dancing warriors. Basara, an ideal of beauty, which means to be stylish to the point of flamboyance, differs considerably from the pared back aesthetic that we associate with Japan and it was nice to see an alternative aspect celebrated. Yamamoto's use of bright colours and patterns galore clearly recalled the spirit of basara and the show, which contained elements of kabuki, was as much of a celebration of Japanese culture as it was Yamamoto's work, with trumpet player Toshinori Kondo being afforded the same status as the designer himself.

There was absolutely nothing po-faced  or "cool" about it and there were a couple of more unconventional elements to the show -- the child mannequins for example were delightfully odd -- but the audience were enraptured and the air was fizzing with joy. While it might not have tickled the fancy of a jaded fashion insider, by the end it was difficult to spot a face which wasn't sporting a grin to rival the Cheshire Cat�s! 

I left the V&A feeling uplifted and more than a little second-homesick.

                           

I wanted to steal Kansai Yamamoto's mermaid shoes and tiger jacket, so I stole some sneaky snaps instead. 

And it's all over..until next time V & A

Jumper: Boy London

Fur Jacket: Charity shop

Sandals: Topshop sale (similar here)

This was our second outing to Fashion in Motion, see the pictures from Fyodor Golan here.

Sono Mama

(Clockwise)

Stitched Panel Track Pant - 3.1 Phillip Lim | Plush Trousers - Zara

Patchwork Back to Front Shirt - 3.1 Phillip Lim | Check Panel Sweatshirt - Gorgeous via ASOS

Racer Double Flap Bag - 3.1 Phillip Lim | Snakeskin Shoulder Bag - H&M
A-line Biker Wrap Skirt - 3.1 Phillip Lim | Quilted Wrap Mini Skirt - Dorothy Perkins

If you have a touch of the Summertime sadness, then taking a gander at 3.1 Phillip Lim's autumnal collection will surely lift your spirits. Just seeing the promotional film, Sono Mama, for the collection made us a giddy as Japanese rockabilly! Well, they seemed quite giddy in the video. Not only that, one of absolutely fave models, Kiko Mizuhara, is center stage so go check it out already! And come back here. OK! Now that your appetite is whet, check out these style substitutes from the fabulous collection. We'll be booking our tickets back to Japan and don't be surprised if we join a biker gang. 

I was a Japanese Model

It's story time, dear readers! As you may have concluded from the side bar, Miriam and I used to live in Japan for a couple years. Living in Japan was a fashion-lover's fantasy and one of my fashion fantasies was fulfilled during my time there -- I was a fashion model! I was recruited by one of my stylish Japanese friends to be a makeup and fashion model for some up and coming stylists in Hiroshima city, Tomoco Kishita and Emi Hamada. They came up with the theme, Africa x Japan. They illustrated the theme very cleverly with a mixture of prints, a traditional Japanese obi bow, African colors and some demure yet funky accessories (those gloves!!) The makeup application was my favorite part of the process. Tomoco expertly applied the fiercest faux lashes I've ever seen and we gossiped about boys, fashion and Western celebrities (They were very fascinated by the fall of Lindsay Lohan). 

It was a chilly, rainy March morning when the shoot began and the whole process took all day. I was absolutely exhausted by the end, but Tomoco and Emi made the experience very fun by cheering me on the sidelines while many onlookers gawked -- the shoot was in the middle of a beautiful restaurant. I was very nervous in the beginning being that I had absolutely no experience but when the photographer began calling me "Moderu-san" (????? = Miss Model), I was able to get into character and work that lens!! The next day at work, I told my junior-high students about the experience and they were absolutely underwhelmed. But then again, how do you get junior-high students excited unless there is a mention of a boy band (Arashi = One Direction)?! 

Here is a behind the scenes picture with Tomoco, me and Emi!