Modernity and Tradition in a mash-up of design aesthetic and heritage, that was the collection Hanako Maeda presented for her wonderfully considered and intelligently cross-pollinated Spring collection that touched, deeply, upon her Japanese heritage with a fully committed deep dive reconsideration of the Kimono, yet was fully entrenched in the modern application of the design ethos of said garment. Most of the collection had a breathy, languid fluidity that adapted the Obi, most of all, into it's designs but also had a sweeping, quasi-romantic drama that still maintained a city-wise smartness that never once bordered on traditional dress or more importantly, costume. Etched out in mainly Black and White with some touches of a deep Teal or muted Cinnabar or, for a more striking effect, a Flamboyante Cayenne Red, that then got toned down to a much richer and more regal Lacquer Red (especially effective as a body crossing satin accent on a Black two piece evening number) Maeda kept her focus steely and narrow as to not confuse the message she was trying to convey, which was one of ease, but with immense depth.
For all the influence of the Kimono/Obi, it was when Maeda distilled the essence of those ideas, and simplified to the most ascetic degree, that her clothes shined the brightest and had the highest of impacts, as in the case of an exquisite Teal coat with Black blouson sleeves or a scintillating pure White coat touched with the deepest and most intense Emerald Green at the collar in a sumptuously rich satin. Maeda struck just the right note of the fantastical and wearable that most designers often miss by a country mile, the collection was seductive with it's obvious and celebratory Eastern flavour, but also was grounded enough to appeal to anyone wanting a bit more artistic flair and fancy to their garments, it's a tricky walk to walk, but Maeda seemed to do it effortlessly and with plenty of aplomb.
That's All.
Bye4Now!
