YOHJI YAMAMOTO | Holds 'THE MEN' Collection Show in Tokyo for the First Time in 19 Years

YOHJI YAMAMOTO

Collection Show Held in Tokyo for the First Time in 19 Years

YOHJI YAMAMOTO THE MEN

Text by OPENERS

An Opportunity to Reconnect with Clothing

“Taking clothes back from fashion”—this has been Yohji Yamamoto’s unwavering belief since he moved his shows to Paris in 1981. After a long absence from showing in his native Japan, he has now returned to Tokyo to present the value of clothing. Under this philosophy, Yohji Yamamoto’s menswear collection show, “THE MEN,” was held in Tokyo for the first time in 19 years.

“YOHJI YAMAMOTO” presents “cool” men committed to “MADE IN JAPAN.” Designer Yohji Yamamoto launched Y’s in 1972 and presented his first Tokyo Collection that same year. For over 30 years since, he has continued his creative endeavors. With a color palette centered on monochrome, distinctive voluminous silhouettes, and a rebellious spirit vividly reflected, the world of “Yohji Yamamoto” has garnered immense support not only in fashion but also in the broader cultural scene.

He has consistently presented antitheses to various phenomena of his time. Menswear, in particular, has been a stage for humorous presentations, showcasing free-spirited creations that transcend body type, age, and race. In this era of fleeting fashion trends, he dedicates his life to expressing intangible values unrelated to mere necessities.

“Cool” Men Committed to “MADE IN JAPAN”

Models in this collection show, held as an opportunity to reconnect with clothing through creation, included men who have continued to express “intangible value” in their respective fields: author Makoto Shina, musicians Monsieur Kamayatsu, Morihiro Aogata, and Johnny Yoshinaga, and actors Renji Ishibashi and Takashi Ujiki, and Masato Maki.

The venue buzzed with excitement as they walked the catwalk in “Yohji Yamamoto” creations: floor-length stand-collar long jackets, patchwork camouflage sets, and striking bright red long coats. Their bashful smiles, the dance performance by CONDORS led by Kohei Kondo, and former Japan national football team coach Philippe Troussier’s signature juggling all captivated the audience.

“Taking clothes back from fashion”—designer Yohji Yamamoto, who once challenged the glamorous world of haute couture, took flight from Tokyo to the world. As he appeared at the finale of this dreamlike show, the applause was ceaseless.

Main Retailers

Domestic | Aoyama Main Store Tel. 03-3409-6006
Isetan Shinjuku Main Store Tel. 03-3351-3170
Marui City Shibuya Tel. 03-3770-8288
Marui Men Shinjuku Tel. 03-3356-5418
Yokohama Sogo Tel. 045-465-2734
Meitetsu Department Store Main Store Tel. 052-585-7683
Shizuoka Isetan Tel. 054-653-5610

Seibu Department Store Shibuya Store Tel. 03-5459-9168
Seibu Department Store Ikebukuro Main Store Tel. 03-5950-1513
Seibu Department Store Yurakucho Store Tel. 03-5218-5026
Matsuya Ginza Main Store Tel. 03-3538-3020
Daimaru Umeda Store, Osaka Tel. 06-6347-7276
Kyoto Isetan Tel. 075-352-6268
Daimaru Kobe Tel. 078-325-1020
Fujisaki Tel. 022-722-1316

Overseas | Paris Louvre Tel. +33 01 45 08 82 45
Cambon Tel. +33 1 40 20 00 71
London Conduit Street Tel. +44 207 491 41 29

YOHJI YAMAMOTO Information Desk
Tel. 03-5463-1537
www.yohjiyamamoto.co.jp

Designer Profile

YOHJI YAMAMOTO
Born in Tokyo. Graduated from Keio University, Faculty of Law, and Bunka Fashion College. In 1969, he received the Soen Award and the Endo Award. Established Y’s in 1972. In 1981, he presented a Paris Collection show that prominently featured “black,” which was taboo at the time, creating a sensation dubbed the “Black Shock.” Despite mixed reviews, his rebellious spirit, unswayed by trends, revolutionized the fashion industry. In 2002, he became the creative director for the collaborative brand “Y-3” with adidas, fusing the worlds of fashion and sports to create innovative styles. He has also been active in a wide range of fields, including the release of Wim Wenders’ documentary film “Notebook on Cities and Clothes” in 1989, costume design for Wagner’s operas, Pina Bausch’s dance company, and films by Takeshi Kitano. In April 2008, he presented a “Y’s” show in Beijing. He has numerous related publications, including “TALKING TO MYSELF” (02) and “A MAGAZINE” (04). He received the Chevalier de l'Ordre des Arts et des Lettres in France in 1994, the Officier de l'Ordre National du Mérite in 2005, and an honorary doctorate from the University of the Arts London in 2008.