By Francesca Claybrook
Ladies and gents, let’s round up our Spring/Summer 2011 Fashion Weeks with the shows in Japan. Straight from Tokyo, here are some of the hottest looks.
Somarta showed loose, flowing garments over patterned, textured, and sometimes shiny leggings and tights (and the occasional bodysuit) in lots of muted grays and shades of blue. I really like the colors of the collection – they’re low key neutrals, but they give us a nice change from the strict black, white, and tan that we’ve seen on so many other runways. Although it was tough to pick my favorite look, I think it has to be this great swingy trench coat and shiny, almost reptilian leggings. Check out the entire collection here.
Araisara S/S 2011 featured lots of pastel prints and more loose, flowing fabrics. There were some details like kimono sleeves or belted numbers that evoke Japanese design. My favorite dress, in fact, has loose, draping kimono sleeves but is a much more modern garment – short and belted. I think what really makes me love this look though is the fabric. The detailing is exquisite, yet this dress still looks comfortable. To see the full collection, click here.
Theatre Products presented a beautiful collection, full of ladylike shapes and delicate fabrics. There were a lot of pastel fabrics and prints here as well. I loved most of the pieces, but my favorite look was this dress, which combines a looser-fitting top half with a tighter skirt, which provides a nice balance of fitted and loose and keeps the look from getting either too baggy or too tight. The hat and gloves add even more of a garden party feel to the look, which is what spring should feel like, right? Take a look at the rest of the collection here.
Fur Fur showed a fun collection full of unexpected shapes and fabrics. I was really drawn to the hair though – exaggerated ‘60s hairdos with oversized bows. Maybe it’s just because I’ve gotten into Mad Men recently, but I’m still liking the retro look that has been popular on the runways for a few seasons now (remember Prada last season, anyone?). Plus, how can you not love a show with a closing look like this one? It was definitely my favorite – Snoopy! To see the rest of this fun line, click here.