Stationed underneath this train track for about 40 minutes or so -- I walked back and forth looking half crazy and half desperate. As if the scorching heat wasn't already obnoxious enough, I seem to garner even more attention from locals by staging a photoshoot in the middle of their quiet neighborhood.
I was pretty desperate trying to shoot these looks. I kept waiting for a day when the weather was cooler, but it only got hotter and hotter. I wish I had been in Japan now, during late September through early October, I hear that the weather is beautiful.
So, I could go on to tell you about how great Tokyo is and how I’m head over heels for this city. But, I won’t.
I could’ve shot these in the middle of Shibuya or in a zen garden elsewhere - but instead I decided that an under-construction train station was better. It reflected a Tokyo that I don’t think many people get the chance to see.
Don’t you find it quite ironic that bullet trains are running on these historic stations and tracks that are often times greatly in need of restoration in Tokyo? I do. I think something that is easily overlooked in Tokyo is that despite how nice and modest everyone seems - they too, are in dire need of a mentality upgrade.
I was pretty desperate trying to shoot these looks. I kept waiting for a day when the weather was cooler, but it only got hotter and hotter. I wish I had been in Japan now, during late September through early October, I hear that the weather is beautiful.
So, I could go on to tell you about how great Tokyo is and how I’m head over heels for this city. But, I won’t.
I could’ve shot these in the middle of Shibuya or in a zen garden elsewhere - but instead I decided that an under-construction train station was better. It reflected a Tokyo that I don’t think many people get the chance to see.
Don’t you find it quite ironic that bullet trains are running on these historic stations and tracks that are often times greatly in need of restoration in Tokyo? I do. I think something that is easily overlooked in Tokyo is that despite how nice and modest everyone seems - they too, are in dire need of a mentality upgrade.
For the longest time, the Scandinavian aesthetic was reigning in the fashion industry thanks to their minimalist ideology, perfectly balanced with clean lines and tasteful details; but, lately it seems as though the Japanese aesthetic is slowly taking over.
The rise in the popularity of Japanese aesthetic clothing is important because it signifies a new era of thinking. While we praise the Japanese, as a whole culture, for being innovative while maintaining their traditional roots - when it comes to some underlining societal problems that are rooted from being over conservative, the tension is widening.
One of the most fascinating things, to me, about fashion is that, it somehow reveals a lot about different cultures. For the Japanese, the tension between the older generation who are overwhelmingly conservative are starting to be challenged by the younger, more open-minded, generation. For example, many girls are now attending their coming of age ceremonies (an extremely important occasion for women in Japan) with the traditional kimono that has somehow been modified to fit their fashion preferences or a completely different version of a kimono that is not qualified for the occasion. (See article: LINK)
The rise in the popularity of Japanese aesthetic clothing is important because it signifies a new era of thinking. While we praise the Japanese, as a whole culture, for being innovative while maintaining their traditional roots - when it comes to some underlining societal problems that are rooted from being over conservative, the tension is widening.
One of the most fascinating things, to me, about fashion is that, it somehow reveals a lot about different cultures. For the Japanese, the tension between the older generation who are overwhelmingly conservative are starting to be challenged by the younger, more open-minded, generation. For example, many girls are now attending their coming of age ceremonies (an extremely important occasion for women in Japan) with the traditional kimono that has somehow been modified to fit their fashion preferences or a completely different version of a kimono that is not qualified for the occasion. (See article: LINK)
Still, with influences from the Western world, when people think of Japanese aesthetic clothing, the bat sleeves and dropped crotch pants as shown in these pieces from the Pas De Calais AW’15 collection are characteristics that are staying for seasons to come. The baggy but fitted look of these pieces are what speaks to the modest nature of the Japanese as well as signifying a transition in new thinking.
In the past, a traditional kimono would onion a woman’s body in numerous layers of fabric covering and concealing all that is to show. From this, the younger Japanese generation have adapted a new style that accomplished the same purpose that the kimono did, and that is through oversized clothing. Baggier clothes allowed the emphasis of the body to be hidden while maintaining a fitted form and proper look by focusing on the proper fit of the sleeves and length of pants.
Even though there have been steps taken forward — I believe that there is still refining to do for the Japanese aesthetic that could take them to new heights. This will be strongly influenced by challenging old ideas and coming up with new ones. Personally, I really can’t wait to see emerging Japanese designers break into the Western market and what new styles Japanese aesthetic will spark and how they will shape the fashion industry.
In the past, a traditional kimono would onion a woman’s body in numerous layers of fabric covering and concealing all that is to show. From this, the younger Japanese generation have adapted a new style that accomplished the same purpose that the kimono did, and that is through oversized clothing. Baggier clothes allowed the emphasis of the body to be hidden while maintaining a fitted form and proper look by focusing on the proper fit of the sleeves and length of pants.
Even though there have been steps taken forward — I believe that there is still refining to do for the Japanese aesthetic that could take them to new heights. This will be strongly influenced by challenging old ideas and coming up with new ones. Personally, I really can’t wait to see emerging Japanese designers break into the Western market and what new styles Japanese aesthetic will spark and how they will shape the fashion industry.
Look 1:
Shoes: Common Projects
Bag: Proenza Schouler PS11 (CAMEL ON SALE!!)
Shoes: Chanel Espadrilles
Look 2: Bag: Proenza Schouler PS11
Accessories: Fendi Bag Bug Charm and Aritzia Scarf
Photos by Shun S.
Creative direction by Van Le
Shoes: Common Projects
Bag: Proenza Schouler PS11 (CAMEL ON SALE!!)
Shoes: Chanel Espadrilles
Look 2: Bag: Proenza Schouler PS11
Accessories: Fendi Bag Bug Charm and Aritzia Scarf
Photos by Shun S.
Creative direction by Van Le
