When I heard that Junya Watanabe had pulled together, once again, a remarkable collection for Spring, I closed my eyes and tried to picture just what he might have in store. Known for stark period and cultural influence, always a jacket and skirt in site, and never without a hat or headdress of course, Watanabe endlessly produces great shows, often in the vain of a curatorial feat no less.
This season, being no exception–many of the same elements persisting–we at the Denimblog, are happy to report, that Watanabe took a stab a something different, including our favorite indigo tones too.
With a clear African affect, inlaid lace, gingham, flowered and paisley prints, Watanabe toiled with not only the Boyfriend jean, but with layered, fitted, and cut up skirts and tiny little military styled jackets as well. The head pieces are purely couture, in my opinion, but, that said, they definitely herald a look of just the home sewn glory that patch work denim calls for (a la Kate Moss’s recent foray into pieced together fabrics).
It seems to me that this exact African influence might just be one of greatest references that we’ve seen on the runways for Spring. Have you noticed that as well? If you’re interested in the theme, take some time to review Louis Vuitton’s Spring Collection and notice the subtle inclination toward specific fabrics, patterns, and a drifting escape from classical western simplicities. I will also mention that Ralph Lauren’s RTW collection was falling that way too, with a certain Safari ease.
Watanabe’s collection of fab denim and tribal detailing may not be an everyday something in your wardrobe–this I already know. In fact, I might venture to say that for most, it might be a never-day occurrence in your wardrobe! Yet, even if you are going to sit on the side lines with this one, can you deny its artistic subtlety and brilliance? I, for one, absolutely can not.
