Fashion Fusion: Encountering Comme des Garçons and Tao Kurihara’s Latest Collection
A Morning Walk in Omotesando: A Tale of Unique Fashion
Strolling through Omotesando on a weekday morning presents a vibrant tableau of fashion. Amongst the expertly styled apprentices adorned in poofy skirts and pearl-buttoned suits, one can observe a distinct contrast in attire as slow-dressed office workers pass by. This fascinating intersection leads to Comme des Garçons’ Office in Aoyama, the heart of the brand’s creative journey.
A Glimpse Behind the Scenes at Comme des Garçons
Entering Comme des Garçons feels like embarking on a journey alongside its staff. This unique experience precedes the highly anticipated Tao Kurihara runway show displayed within the brand’s stark concrete headquarters. Unlike other senior designers showcased in Paris, Kurihara’s work, which epitomizes a significant aspect of the company’s identity, remains relatively less visible yet immensely impactful.
Tao Kurihara’s Latest Collection: A Bold Exploration
This season, Kurihara undertook the challenge of experimenting with uncharted materials including faux leather, metallic fabrics, and sequins. The collection, titled “Black and Gold,” features an ensemble of striking designs including shiny black pieces and paneled skirts, complemented by vests adorned with floral embroidery. Each outfit is elegantly punctuated with white accents from button-up shirts and T-shirts, leading toward beautiful gold Mary Jane shoes.
A Journey Through Texture and Color
The collection transitions from the bold black and gold palette to a captivating blend of scarlet velvet and plaid, enhanced by collaboration with jewelry artisan Rovechrome’s silver-gold comb pieces. Furthermore, the baroque prints, along with tulle embellished in gold, culminate in delicately frilled skirts, echoing a theme of luminous beauty. The entire display is a reflection of a “world that shines brightly in the dark,” as indicated by the concise show notes.
Inspiration and Creative Vision
Following the show, Kurihara addressed inquiries about the collection’s influences. While many speculated references to Rococo menswear due to the intricate prints and elegant ruffles, Kurihara dismissed such notions, explaining, “When it was finished, it was completely unconscious.” Elaborating on the design choices, she noted, “I thought it was necessary for the collection,” emphasizing her intent to evoke a resonating sense of admiration amongst her audience.
A Balance of Wearability and Artistic Expression
Kurihara’s design philosophy prioritizes creativity over commerciality, resisting pressures from marketing teams to produce more conventional pieces. Nonetheless, her collections remain practical, allowing for seamless integration into the wardrobes of fashion-forward individuals. As autumn approaches, it is anticipated that the streets of Omotesando will showcase Kurihara’s golden skirts and floral coats, worn with pride during morning commutes.