There’s more to inspire fashion from Japan than kimonos, obis and Harajuku girls. Hussein Chalayan dug deep into the island nation’s rich culture, from its isolationist Sakoku period — “from 1633 to 1853,” the designer pinpointed — to its poetry and theatre traditions. “It’s my take on the surrealist spirit of Japan,” said Chalayan, who showcased his collection in a 13-minute film that climaxed with visible puppeteers fluttering the handkerchief hems of a summery gown in floral chiffon. While the premise was conceptual, it yielded fetching and feminine clothes, with simple-yet-clever details on white shirts — cape-like sleeves or swishing gussets at the hem — and ultra-modern vests and jackets. Shift dresses came in a range of watery pastels, embellished with gentle draping across the bodice.(via wwd)
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