The Industry Dot Biz:
ROCK STAR YOSHIKI’S KIMONO BRAND MAKES HEADLINES AROUND THE GLOBE
YOSHIKI HONORS HIS FAMILY’S TRADITIONS AND, CHALLENGES CULTURAL BOUNDARIES
Yoshikimono – the cutting-edge kimono fashion brand created by Japanese rock star YOSHIKI – opened Tokyo Fashion Week 2020 S/S on October 14, 2019, with a spectacular display of modern design which garnered praise from fashion media and industry insiders.
“Through innovative styling, Yoshiki showed that kimono can also be worn as different styles of sexy, asymmetric dresses, from mini to ankle length,” said fashion industry bible WWD. Reuters called the collection “dazzling” and “a modern twist” on the traditional Japanese garment. Iconic fashion magazine Vogue Japan praised YOSHIKI for the brand’s “gorgeous style” and “rock spirit.”
YOSHIKI – rock drummer, classical pianist, leader of X JAPAN, and one of the most influential composers in Japanese history – presented “YOSHIKIMONO 2020 S/S COLLECTION” with a dramatic stage production and original music created for the collection’s debut. Numerous VIPs from the worlds of fashion and entertainment were on hand, alongside top actors and models, took spots on the front row to see this year’s show, including legendary French stylist Carlyne Cerf de Dudzeele,
As the eldest son of kimono business owners YOSHIKI grew up surrounded by the craftsmanship and ideals of Japan’s traditional garment before embarking on his musical career. He created Yoshikimono with the concept of “combining tradition and innovation.”
YOSHIKI’s first collection in three years presented designs which broke the boundaries of how kimonos can be worn, including kimonos arranged like a dress (“Dress Kimono”), bright kimonos with a metallic fabric and lace, and kimonos which focused on “sustainability.”
Kimonos adorned with graphic images from the worldwide anime phenomenon Attack on Titan and the comic book Blood Red Dragon, which was co-created by YOSHIKI with Marvel Comics legend Stan Lee, were featured on the runway presented by 31 international models.
“I wanted to create a show that moved people to think,” explained YOSHIKI, as he spokeabout his commitment to sustainability by creating kimonos without using any chemical substances. YOSHIKI added, “It was a challenge to create kimonos using visuals from animation and comics. I hope people will go back home having been stimulated in some way, whether it was through rock, classical music, or fashion. I’m hoping to strengthen the kimono industry. I’m still a newcomer in the fashion world, but I would like to keep on challenging myself while getting advice from everyone along the way.”
