YOSHIKIMONO, a kimono brand created by X-JAPAN leader, songwriter, drummer, and classical pianist YOSHIKI, made its debut at Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week TOKYO 2016 S/S, marking the finale of the six-day fashion week.

The show showcased new styles of kimono, such as kimonos worn off the shoulders or paired with fishnet stockings. YOSHIKI also performed a live piano performance midway down the runway, livening up the venue with music.

YOSHIOKIMONO first debuted at ASIA GIRLS EXPLOSION, Asia's largest music collaboration event, held at the National Stadium in 2013. After the show, YOSHIKIMONO spoke about his participation in Japan's leading fashion show.

The inspiration for launching his own kimono brand came from his own roots. "I'm originally the eldest son of a kimono shop owner, and while most eldest sons take over the family business, I ended up going down the path of rock. Because it was a kimono shop, my mother wore kimonos, and I wore them too, so I grew up in a household where wearing kimonos was normal, and I never thought of kimonos as anything special. I've been living overseas for nearly 20 years, and after moving to Los Angeles and seeing Japanese culture from abroad, I began to think that kimonos are a beautiful culture, so I thought I would combine my rock elements with kimonos." Regarding the stage production, YOSHIKI himself performed a live piano performance in the center of the runway, he replied, "I started with a Japanese drum to add a Japanese element, and at first I thought I'd play the piano in the shadows near the entrance, but before I knew it, the stage was gradually moving forward, and I thought it might be a good idea." Regarding future participation in Tokyo Fashion Week and global expansion, he commented, "This time, I was honored to be the finale of Tokyo Fashion Week, but I think it was an experiment. I'm in the music industry, so some people might be wary of someone from a different industry. I'm a musician, so I thought I might get some harsh criticism, but I decided to take on the challenge. I'd appreciate any advice, both good and bad." Finally, he expressed his desire to use this participation as a catalyst for the brand's growth, saying, "Music and fashion are inseparable, so I hope we can inspire each other." The makeup for "YOSHIKIMONO" was handled by MIZU, Maybelline New York's exclusive makeup director. The key to the look was YOSHIKI's request for a red lip. Using Maybelline Line & Design Lip Liner in 105, he outlined the lips and then filled them in. Because kimonos are difficult to change into during the show, the 20 models' kimono dressing and hair and makeup began at 2:30 PM, ahead of the 9 PM start time of the show.