TOKYO, JP- October 17th, 2019 – Moody colour palettes, artistic fabric manipulations, and a dramatic atmosphere set the stage for the first show from Global Fashion Collective at Tokyo’s Hikarie Hall.

GAIRO JU

Japanese brand Gairo Ju was first up on the runway. Driven by a desire to encompass design for your day-to-day rather than society, designer Takanobu Kubo produces garments that embody the wearer’s identity. Opening with intricate mandala-style patterns on flowing fabric the runway parade transitioned into intelligent fabric manipulations and patchwork detailing as models walked to a dramatic battle-style soundtrack.

A colour palette of dusty blue subtly developed into neutral, earthy tones with pops of statement mustard. Gairo Ju’s SS20 collection stayed true to it’s hypothesis for a forward-thinking fashion for the future. 

JOHNATHAN HAYDEN

Design is a two-sided conversation. This is what multidisciplinary designer, Johnathan Hayden seeks to explore in his SS20 collection. Crafted from repetitive and simple techniques, Hayden wishes to examine growth and life when faced with the opposite.

Multiple variants of silhouette walked the runway from exaggerated sleeves and ruffles to drop-waists and boxy shapes. Monochromatic contrasted against vibrant yellows and blues made for a self-aware offering from the US-based designer. 

RYAN LI

Next to take the runway was British Columbia-based designer, Ryan Li. Appearing from the darkened entrance on top of an energetic soundtrack, one-by-one designs with strong shoulders and asymmetrical tailoring set the scene for futuristic and statement SS20 collection.

Seeking to pose questions to the existing framework of fashion, models clad in robot-style masks juxtaposed against feminine fabrics was an ode to Li’s wish to deliver a sense of the rebellious with a futuristic outlook. This coupled with Li’s inspiration from vibrant Japanese streetwear culture made for a stand-out body of work from the Nancy Mak Award winner.  

REBECA REBECA

Rebeca Rebeca debuted their SS20 collection onto the Tokyo runway, creating a new world where materials take on different forms. Cuts of fabric and elements of nature made the structure for striking silhouettes that were inspired by traditional womenswear staples, such as petticoats and corsets, reimagined in the form of painted tree branches. Multiple shades of moss green and sultry floral patterns transported the audience into a world where nature is our source for all – pushing the boundaries of conventional couture and exploring what is possible to wear as clothing.

Drawing attention to the need for greater environmental awareness and accountability, Norway-based designer, Rebeca Herlung Høien poignantly highlighted the necessity for increased sustainability within the fashion and textile industries in a compelling SS20 collection.