“Paris is, after all, the Ultimate Stage” - UNDERCOVER

“The Paris Collections are the ultimate stage for designers,” says Jun Takahashi of UNDERCOVER, who has restarted his Paris shows after a two-year hiatus. Paris is a business arena for professionals, a place where one receives rigorous critiques not heard from fans or friends. The tension there is unparalleled. The theme for the Spring/Summer 2015 collection is “PRETTY HATE BIRD.” Alongside swans in tutus, menacingly cute black swans also appeared. Dresses featuring delicate tulle layered with embroidery are paired with trench jackets and riders jackets. Romantic yet real, the world of UNDERCOVER unfolded.

ANREALAGE Delivers a Surprise Following Tokyo

“Rei Kawakubo and Jun Takahashi, two designers I admire, must have had a reason for showing. I wanted to explore that reason,” says Kunihiko Morinaga of ANREALAGE, who made his long-awaited Paris debut. On stage, he presented monochrome garments that revealed prints when illuminated by lights, offering a surprise that echoed his Tokyo show. The following day, a reception was held at the select shop L'Éclaireur to showcase archival pieces.

FACETASM: Luxury Meets the Street

After Paris, the focus shifts to Tokyo Fashion Week. Closing the Tokyo shows was the popular brand FACETASM. While the brand initially gained recognition for its menswear, its womenswear has recently made a significant impact. Their coats and jackets exude luxury despite their street-inspired aesthetic, with details like feathers and lace adding a touch of opulence. I fell in love with their artificial flower ear cuffs and had to place an order.