Ground Y has collaborated with Kyōsai Kawanabe, a painter from the Bakumatsu-Meiji era, and his daughter Kyōsui Kawanabe. The resulting collection features bold prints of their artwork. The collection is also appealing for its elegant and diverse range of items.

Kyōsai Kawanabe was a painter active from the Bakumatsu to Meiji periods, known for his diverse artistic output. It is said that there was nothing his hands could not depict, and he left behind various works, including caricatures and satirical paintings, imbued with a rebellious spirit.

Kyōsui Kawanabe was also active as a Japanese painter.

And then there is "Ground Y," a brand that inherits the design DNA of Yohji Yamamoto, who, since 1981, has challenged the taboo of "black" on the Paris Collection stage, advocating an antithesis to established fashion.

Now, the rebellious spirit of both the Kawanabe artists and Ground Y has resonated, leading to the debut of a collaborative collection.

The silhouettes in this collection draw inspiration from the aesthetics of Japanese clothing, such as kimonos and the way they envelop the body. The designs are finished to allow for bold prints of the Kawanabe artists' works on mantles, haoris, and pants.

In addition to reversible features, even the space between the body and the garment is meticulously calculated to maximize the expression of the maison's creative DNA. The elegance brought by the relaxed silhouettes is captivating.

Vintage de Chine fabric is used to enhance the reproduction of the artwork. The careful selection of material highlights the vibrant colors and textures.

A total of 14 works were used—13 by Kyōsai and one by Kyōsui—creating a grand collection that pays homage to Kyōsai Kawanabe, who passed away 130 years ago in 2019.

KYOSAI KAWANABE Collection 2020 Spring Collection
Items Available: Big Mantle, Hooded Coat, Drape Gown, Long Big Shirt, Stand-Collar Shirt, Balloon Pants, Hoodie, Big Cut & Sew

Price:
Mantle ¥110,000 / Coat ¥96,000 / Shirts ¥50,000–¥70,000 / Gown ¥64,000 / Pants ¥62,000–¥66,000 / Hoodie ¥16,000 / Cut & Sew ¥10,000–¥28,000 (all prices exclude tax)

Retail Locations:
Ground Y GINZA SIX, Ground Y LAFORET HARAJUKU, Ground Y SHIBUYA PARCO, Ground Y THE SHOP YOHJI YAMAMOTO (link at https://theshopyohjiyamamoto.jp/shop/c/c20/)

Artwork Used:
Beauty Reading a Book from "Seiseki Kyōsai Sketchbook" / "Wind God and Thunder God" (Pair) / Sketch of Buddha from "Seiseki Kyōsai Sketchbook" / Yamato Takeru and Noh Play "Ko-gitsune" Sketch from "Seiseki Kyōsai Sketchbook" / "Swimming Carp" / "Wolf Under the Moon" / "Fireworks Display by Skeletons" Sketch / "Skeletons Playing Shamisen" Sketch / "Skeletons at Play [Back View]" Sketch / "Taihei Kaika Kurisoroi" / "Kyōsai Designed Rooster-Patterned Rabbit-Shaped Inkstone" Sketch / From "The Thirteenth Volume of Western Journey Knee-Chest" Bag - Kyōsui's "Twelve Months of Beauties by Kyōsui" Calendar