tokyo in berlin

Even forgetting the show’s title, there was no doubt from where the designers hailed in “Japanische Designer zeigen Mode in Berlin.” Granted, their work admirably represented the quality integrity and ingenuity associated with Japanese fashion, but the massive light-box presenting a Japanese flag and the oddly disconnected geisha and Noh references kept hammering home the theme. Sadly these theatrical signs of national pride undercut the seriousness of the design. These references to standard stereotypes of Japanese culture were an undue distraction and patronized the audiences’ interest in seeing solid showmanship from a global leader in fashion, design and aesthetic innovation. Overlooking the silly masks and hair-does, the clothes themselves were an appealing mix of softly structured denim. Patched and loose cut jeans created interesting forms. Oversized street-wear and military-patterns made compelling subculture statements. The masses of layers were viable and season-less. Most the clothes would be intriguing regardless of their country of origin.