Japan Fashion Week 82 Mercer February 18, 2010   Written and Photographed by Mark Tauriello Opposite Photo: Naoshi Sawayana

Japan Fashion week at 82 Mercer was a fabulous event featuring designers such as Shida Tatsuya, Naoshi Sawayana, Hidiaki Sakaguchi, and design companies Chaolu Lab, Apt Form, and Tiny Dinosaur. Eclectic looks going from sophisticated elegance to edgy street fashion, space age to hobo chic appealed to almost everyone. Most eye catching were the chemical inspired designs from Naoshi Sawayana, pushing America fast forward into a less commercial and more sci-fi aesthetic with the use of his textural metallic bubble fabric, leather panels, and deconstructed looks.

Another eye catcher was the looks by Tiny Dinosaur. Most memorable were the men’s boots molded from the human foot, leaving bare footprints! Keeping in mind that these were winter collections, Shida Tatsuya created a line of faux fur wraps and black bands painted across the necks and wrists. Keeping with the traditions of winter wear, Hidiaki Sakaguchi's line featured colonial inspired jackets and full frill ankle length skirts, creating looks reminiscent of a female George Washington.

Don't forget the men too! Apt Form featured menswear with wrinkled fabrics, chunky knit scarves with complex patterns, and a darker color palette of gray and black. Japan continues to think more conceptually and less commercial, bringing all new shapes, fabrics, and styles into the fashion scene.

Hideaki Sakaguchi of Dress Co

Mikio Sakabe Design

Mikio Sakabe Detail

Naoshi Fashion

Naoshi Fashion

Naoshi Fashion Detail

Tiny Dinosaur


Tiny Dinosaur

Detail Faux Wedge

Lab 1	Lab 1 Jewel Detail
Naoshi Fashion	Hideaki Sakaguchi for Dress Co
Tiny Dinosaur	Naoshi

Tiny Dinosaur	Mikio Sakabe

Backstage at Japan Fashion Week

Backstage at Japan Fashion Week