Sunday, February 24, 2013

Vantan Tokyo Fall 2013

Its hard to believe that the three collections presented as part of the Vantan Tokyo Fall 2013 show were created by students still in Japan's first design school. Nelly Hohmann, Kei Tsunoji, and Natsuki Watanabe each sought to present  lines that reflected their vision along with their Japanese culture, and the results couldn't be more dissimilar. 

        

Opening the runway, Nelly Hohmann maintained a classic look for her line, sticking to a palette of winter white, navy, and black. The collection is chic and wearable for the urban woman. Her Japanese influence is apparent in her recurring red pattern that evoked a traditional kimono. 

    

    

Hohmann's collection was safe and not as risk-taking as one would expect from a student show. The most notable look is a sheer pleated dress layered over printed pants. More drama would have been welcomed. 


Kei Tsunoji's line Eisunoge captured the essence of Japanese street wear, yet the collection was not cohesive. We have looks ranging from colorful and preppy....

    

to layers of hipster plaid button ups .. 

   

to men's leggings (please do not let this walk off the runway)... 

    

and then to this. I really do appreciate the risk he took for his collection and think that he has some great, well-made, and marketable separates. Perhaps in the future he can hone in on a more central style.


Natsuki Watanabe impressed me with a beautiful fall collection I'd expect to see from a designer with years of runway under their belt. Her line Sagan, inspired by a scandalous, free-spirited French novelist, showcased fashion forward floral patterns and knits in contemporary cuts. 

    

    

The strongest of the three, Natsuki perfectly balanced her line with a muted palette and busy patterns. The two looks below were by far the highlight of the night: on the left, a knit sweater contrasted with a patterned skirt; and on the right, a very chic fall coat. 

    

Photos compliments from Vantan Tokyo. 

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