Highlights of Japan Fashion Week (I)

September 1st to 5th, Tokyo: Japan Fashion Week hosted 37 brand (maisons) spring 2009 shows. Among them, young designer Aya Furuhashi of fur fur label who presented a youthful, bohemian collection in garden-like scenery.

Under those many layers and flowers you can notice sweet and feminine pieces such as frilled baby-doll tops and chiffon dresses; three quarter length sleeved spring coats and jackets in precious taffeta or brocade as well as flower printed leisure trousers, all in warm, sun-bleached shades.

Another wonderful collection showcased at Japan Fashion Week is signed by designer Hidenobu Yasui, a collection which could pass as minimalist, considering the narrow color palette (white, dark blue, navy and black), if it weren't for the draping, pleating and elaborate details such as rosette pockets.

The clothes are very modern, in soft fabrics and with masculine influences: three-piece pant suits, baggy trousers or blazer inspired evening dresses. On a more feminine side are those short jackets with elbow sleeves and long, flowing skirts.

The designers at new-born label Lep Luss, Seiji Igeta and Yoshiko Kato sent down on the runway a very sophisticated, lady-like collection. And that's no wonder for their couture background. Seiji Igeta, a graduate from Esmod Japon, worked for Issey Miyake while Yoshiko Kato, an alumnus of Ecole de la Chambre Syndicale de la Couture Parisienne, joined Yves Saint Laurent and Issey Miyake before establishing in 2008 Less Plus Design Co. Ltd. and launching the fashion line LEP LUSS.

And last but not least, Mikio Sakabe spring 2009 collection designed by Mikio Sakabe and Shueh Jen-Fang is a mix of 60s through 80s references with short hems, op-art patterns, cocoon shapes, bow-blouses, oversized mannish blazers and futuristic, silver leggings and shoes.