MIKIOSAKABE, the brand created by Mikio Sakabe and Xue Zhenfan, presented their 2018 Spring/Summer collection at Shibuya Hikarie on October 21st during Amazon Fashion Week TOKYO 2018 S/S. As it was the final show of Tokyo Collection, the venue was packed with attendees, from members of the press to fashion students. The show began more than 30 minutes after the scheduled start time, as the audience's anticipation reached a fever pitch. A giant, moonlit sphere illuminated the stage, and a roaring sound accompanied the appearance of a foreign model wearing high geta sandals resembling courtesan clogs with nearly 20cm heels. Her blonde hair was tied in a bunkin takashimada style, and she wore a bright red jacket dress reminiscent of an office lady's uniform, with a large school bag slung over her shoulder. The collection continued with looks reminiscent of Japanese "businesses" and "schools," including pieces based on pleated skirts and uniform vests. "I wanted to do something completely different, not just an extension of what I've done up until now. The theme this time was a mix of "Japanese." At first, I thought about making kimonos, but that was too difficult and out of my reach. I incorporated and mixed elements of Japanese culture, such as office lady-like styles, nuances of student style, and the essence of "kawaii culture," and the result was a harmonious mix," Sakabe said of the collection's theme. Using uniquely Japanese shapes not found in Europe as a base, and combining them with prints reminiscent of carvings and wallpaper and Japanese hairstyles, Sakabe said he pursued a look that exudes a timeless "Japanese flair."

By adding a touch of "subversiveness" to the look, such as a dress made from multiple layers of small floral print fabric reminiscent of wallpaper in European mansions, a look pairing a plain workwear-style shirt and pants with bright pink lace-up shoes, and a look in which the cuffs of a blouse were attached to the bottom of the pants, it seemed as if familiar styles were "transformed" into new, futuristic styles.

The final look, in which heart- and star-shaped objects were entangled around the body, was said to represent Japan's current "kawaii culture." The show came to a finale with these two striking looks. It was a fitting finale to Amazon Fashion Week TOKYO, showcasing Mikio Sakabe's unique worldview and his insatiable desire to continue taking on new challenges.