The collection is inspired by the Japanese salaryman and his image in the society.
The suit resembles in Japan the pure working culture: over-working hours, non-individualism therefore non-existence in family-life. Being a salaryman in Japan can give the individual pride but also hardships in fulfilling the role, which the society is pressing onto the individual. While Japan has a strong hierarchy in work culture, it is nearly impossible for young people to express their new ideas and creativity in their work and private space, while wearing a suit.
My collection is focused on these young individuals, to stop being swallowed by the mass.
Street-style fashion is quickly changing in Japan and people develop a strong sense for their personal preference in fashion. Nonetheless, are the strong cultural roots even in the newest street-styles visible. Hapis and Yukatas are being integrated into sporty-daily-lifestyle outfits. Combining them both gives the Japanese the chance to reveal their pride in being Japanese while developing further in their style. My collection is adapting this idea, focusing on the salaryman.
The collection shall rebel against the stereotyped thinking and create an individual style, in which people are able to create a new way of thinking and switch the garments regarding to their mood.
For this I designed the collection in a 4 color scheme: black to grey symbols the colors of the suit, while white resembles the shirts. The soft rose integrates the skin, inspiration, liberty, strength, comfort and silent rebellion within the salaryman.
Flat and straight patterns from the kimono are mixed with sportiv cuts, to enable movability and traditional layering. Oversized rain coats are equipped with elastic drawstrings to reform and reshape the garment to a personal liking. But not only the form, also the textiles shall create emotions while wearing the garments.
Elastic sport trousers are combined with oversized or cropped shirts, made from polyester. Wool-cotton trousers are finished with elastic bands and zippers, which enables to change the style of the garment from formal to informal.
Photo: Joel Harder
Model: Jonathan Chen, Aivis Smans, Baptiste Rigaud
