Mame Kurogouchi, the designer behind Maiko Kurogouchi, who was selected as the inaugural winner of the newly established Fashion Prize of Tokyo last year, made her Paris Fashion Week debut this season. On March 2nd, the fifth day of the official schedule, the brand presented its Fall/Winter 2018-19 collection in a presentation format at the Mona Bismark American Center, an exhibition hall along the Seine. Mame is celebrating its eighth year as a women's brand this year. Four years ago, the brand began doing business overseas, and currently has approximately 10 clients in the United States, France, and Asia. With much anticipation focused on how far the brand will take its Paris Fashion Week participation, many industry insiders attended the event. This season's collection, a major milestone for Mame, was themed "Nouvelle Vague," and presented its most powerful collection to date. Mame's blend of modern and traditional styles was further enhanced this season, drawing inspiration from Charlotte Perriand, the French designer who established her career in Japan in the 1940s. Each of the 16 looks boldly mixed materials, embellishments, and colors, yet maintained a cohesive and captivating fusion. Outerwear, including a kimono-inspired silk coat, a biker jacket embellished with fur and tassels, and a reversible long coat with flowing curves, were particularly eye-catching. Knit pieces, showcasing Mame's signature intricate craftsmanship, were combined with lighter materials like delicate lace and sheer dresses to add depth to the look. The diverse color palette—brown, green, aqua, and ginger yellow—was muted, evoking a uniquely Japanese, yet subdued, sophistication. These intricately intertwined elements were elevated to a poetic collection through Mame's signature intricate embroidery.
Mame, who took on the role of widely spreading Japan's traditional techniques and aesthetic sense, delivered a convincing collection that exceeded expectations. With the support of the Fashion Prize of Tokyo, they will be participating in Paris Collection again next season. It is an existence that makes us look forward to seeing how high the new wave they have created this season will rise.
