KEITA MARUYAMA unveiled its 2016-2017 Autumn/Winter collection on March 14th. Titled "To the Night," designer Maruyama Keita imagined a dark fantasy world. The collection features real clothes with a classic touch, depicting the attire of the inhabitants of a land where only night exists and the characters of nighttime dreams.
Chic dresses and sets based on navy and black are adorned with twinkling sequined stars, and polka-dot tulle exudes a coquettish charm. Motifs such as black cats, bats, and crows, both considered lucky charms and possessing darker images, are incorporated into lace patterns and glimpsed within silhouette-like prints. Black tulle casts shadows over lustrous prints of blooming winter flowers, evoking the image of a flower garden waiting for dawn.
This collection focuses on materials made in Japan, featuring many original fabrics created in collaboration with Japanese artisans. The three-dimensional jacquard fabric is a masterpiece, woven with a mix of more than 10 types of yarn to evoke the image of a starry sky sparkling in the darkness of night. Items include ladylike dresses and sets, wide-leg pants, and cocoon-shaped coats. A classic mood is complemented by fur shawls and bags showcasing humorous expressions of "ghost cats," and sparkling chunky-heeled pumps and boots, creating a playful yet modern look. Keita Maruyama's style, rich yet playful, is characteristic of the designer. The second half of the collection shifts to a world of bright pastels. Pink and green satin and feathers, colorful jewel prints, and Chinese embroidery create a dreamlike world reminiscent of the Nutcracker's Jewel Fairy. The fantastical looks continued, combining the poisonous and light, fun atmosphere of chemical colors with the mysterious essence of Eastern countries. This contained the designer's message: "Fashion is fantasy. I want to create clothes that are realistic in appearance, yet evoke fantasy."
Grammy Award-winning singer Gwen Stefani was also in attendance, livening up the first night of Fashion Week.
