Unique fabric manipulations, casual silhouettes, and creative colouring were brought to the forefront of the first show from Global Fashion Collective. Three creative brands from around the world showcased emerging trends for the SS19 season on the Amazon Fashion Week Tokyo runway at Shibuya Hikarie Hall.
First up, Atelier M/A showcased ,,Oneness”, their debut collection. ,,PAST” and ,,FUTURE” lettering spelled out the concept that ‘everything is one’, as Japanese designers Masato Koide and Azusa Koide presented a ‘coexistence of diversity’ by combining traditional hand sewing with digital print work and recycled plastics. A soft polka dot motif and colourful patterns created from strips, gave a beautiful naive style. Short-cut high-waisted pants worn over printed tights, lightweight raincoats, knitted jerseys, and sneakers made for casual styling. A key look- a grey checked suit with white contrast polka dots, worn with silver brogues made a slick and stylish statement. A wearable yet creative line, the collection drew attention to the designers intuitive approach to design.
Next, U.S brand The House of AmZ presented a collection fragmented into capsules: Winter, Neutral, Lotus, Blush, Amalgamation, and Finale. Each capsule developed the concept ,,Self_ An Amalgamation”, reflecting the various emotions and responses to situations as we bloom into ourselves and grow, not unlike the way of the Lotus flower. Designer Alexandra Marie Zofcin utilised fabric manipulations to create shape, with pleats, gathers, and woven strips forming the silhouettes. A selective colour palette of sage green, beige, pastel pink, navy, cream, grey, and burgundy enhanced feminine cuts. A delicate raffia gilet overlay added texture, and beautiful silk Chantelle fabric, iridescent in colour, beautifully caught the light.
German designer Annika Klaas brought shades of sunshine for Spring/Summer with monochromatic collection ,,Jaune”. In different tones of yellow, textured knits were folded, pinched, and pleated to create structured looks. The painterly palette crossed from brazen canary to lighter lemon with soft matching bags and knitted-in pockets adding dimension. A seamless collection, Annika developed a new production technique by imagining a digital knitting machine as a 3D printer. A wrap over skirt in a warmer tone, was paired with a strapless top with large loose pleats creating a soft and natural form.
The second presentation of Global Fashion Collective at Shibuya Hikarie Hall highlighted an artistic expression, with edgy, feminine and quirky styles for Spring Summer 2019 presented by three North American designers.
EmulEos packed a punch to start off the evening, with models full of attitude sporting diamond encrusted boxing gloves and visors. North Carolina designer Emily Prozinksi was inspired by female boxers for collection ,,Tougher Than Diamonds”. Silvers and shades of black dominated throughout with oversized hoods, metal chainwork, studded boots, and faux snakeskin creating an edgy style. Diamonds and beading glistened under the light, while chiffon and georgette shimmered at the slightest movement. A key look featured mid-length balloon pants with a grey zip-up jacket, with silver chains adorning an oversized hood.
Alicia Perrillo brought a whimsical colour palette and feminine gowns to the runway with collection ,,Sans”. Techniques such as painting, beading, crochet, and embroidery paid homage to the Chicago based designer’s late grandmother. A soft muted colour palette in lavender, periwinkle, dove grey, pale pink, gold, white, and black graced figure-flattering dresses, enhanced with beading detail, smudges of gold, and black floral appliqué. A white long sleeve fishtail dress with soft pink painted effect and pale blue frills was accessorized with handmade tassel earrings. Asymmetric hemlines and layers of ruffles created shape across the line. The showpiece- pale layers of sheer over a full-length gown with shoulder cutouts and long flowing sleeves, complete with tiara and veil making a strong feminine statement.
Quirky printwork by Canadian designer GRANDI brought a fun feel for Spring/Summer 19. ,,PRISMANIA” a demi-couture collection featured a pop art interpretation of the chinoiserie decor style with a large scale surrealist graphic print incorporating bananas, leaves, and donuts. Colour blocking broke up the pieces with bold yellow, blues, greens, and pinks, and dramatic eyewear with tassles and embellishments completed the looks. Classic cuts in A-line skirts, cigarette pants, and fitted jackets made for stylish wearable pieces. A key look- a silk strapless dress with fitted bodice worn over a printed shirt with contrast cuffs and collar, showcasing designer Grandy’s eye for styling. An artistic collection to close the shows.
About Global Fashion Collective (GFC)
Global Fashion Collective is a platform supporting creative designers from all around the world. The collective produces runway showcases in different fashion capitals with the aim to accelerate the designer’s global development, increase their international media visibility, and open new markets. By presenting its designers in front of international media and buyers globally, Global Fashion Collective is an expansion of Vancouver Fashion Week.
To learn more:
www.globalfashioncollective.com
Instagram: @globalfashioncollective @vanfashionweek
Facebook: Global Fashion Collective
Photo: Arun Nevader for Getty Images