It’s raining kimonos in Tokyo. US-based Japanese heavy-metal superstar
Yoshiki kicked off Amazon Fashion Week Tokyo by sending models down the
runway in sexy, reimagined kimonos drenched in a downpour Monday. It may
not be high fashion to purists, but such is the fame of the dyed-blonde,
androgynous-looking co-founder of rock band X Japan that he opened the
latest edition of Tokyo’s twice-yearly style bonanza.
Music fans, the Japanese celebrity press and the fashion pack crammed into a
catwalk show that opened with a flamboyantly dressed Yoshiki seated at
his trademark
transparent baby grand for a classical-inspired duet with a female electric
violinist in black stilettos. To pondering chords on the piano, models
dressed in Yoshiki’s collection of traditional style kimonos — albeit
crafted in red leather to mimic snake skin or metallic golds and silver —
sashayed, or even shuffled, down the runway.
Bolts of lightening flashed overhead and storm sound effects crashed over the
sound system as black curtains parted in the middle of the catwalk to reveal
Yoshiki standing over a drum set.
He carefully removed his overcoat, then powered through a high-energy drum solo
as Western models appeared in strapless, kimono-inspired cocktail dresses that
grazed the thigh in chessboard black and white, zebra print with a
dalmatian-print
flourish, or pink and red florals.
Rain poured down from the ceiling as models with crimped hair stuck in
serpent-like
strands gingerly navigated the soaking runway in vertiginous stilettos. Yoshiki
played drenched to the skin in a pussy bow blouse. The climatic look was a
transparent plastic kimono that left little to the
imagination — exposing the model’s bare breasts and saving her blushes
only with a patterned micro, under-garment at the waist.
The rain, Yoshiki explained to reporters, was inspired by Alexander McQueen,
the late British designer considered one of the greats of his generation,
who soaked his own runway in 1998. A musician who transcends both the rock
and classical worlds, and was raised by parents in the kimono business,
Yoshiki said his passion was to open the eyes of the world to the
traditional Japanese garment.
“After I moved to Los Angeles 20 years ago, I really understood the importance
of Japanese culture,” he explained. “If I’d stayed in Japan, I wouldn’t
have realised there are so many Japanese restaurants around the world. I
think that is really good, and I want kimono culture to be same as Japanese
food.” The music that accompanied the show, he said, was pure improvisation
— so
busy had he been with a music festival until recently.
“When I played, I focused on the kimono as having the main role,” he said, his
blonde hair falling in soft waves around his face, lips accentuated in,pink
lipstick. It was the musician’s second kimono airing at Japan Fashion Week
following his debut last October, also showcasing body-hugging kimonos,
also slashed to miniskirt-length and worn with stilettos.
Kimonos for men and children are his next dream, he said. Sponsored by
online retailer Amazon this season, Tokyo Fashion Week is in its 12th year.
Between Monday and Saturday it will showcase around 50 up-and-coming
designers with established brands. It attracts 50,000 visitors to the
Japanese capital each season. (AFP)
Photos: Yoshikimono SS17, Amazon Fashion Week website