The "Rakuten Fashion Week TOKYO 2021 A/W" was held from March 15 to 20. As if to blow away the depressing Corona disaster, a total of 51 brands participated, and in addition to digital shows, runway shows were held to which the audience was invited.
Among them, we would like to introduce "9M," which participated for the first time. The collection itself was presented on video, and then the designer himself gave a commentary to the journalists gathered at the venue.
First of all, for those who do not know, "9M" is a brand produced by Hisayama Dyeing Works, a dyeing factory in Kyoto.
Usually, we produce textiles for various brands, including foreign maisons, but "9M" uses its own fabrics to create original items. The company is inspired mainly by travel and art, and incorporates them into its designs.
Designer Chikara Yoshida, who has been playing more sports than ever since the Corona disaster, created the 21AW collection based on his own experience of physical and mental health through exercise. Please read his thoughts on this collection first.
I believe that sports have various powers. As stated in the Constitution of Japan, "Sports are physical activities for the sound development of mind and body, for the maintenance and promotion of health and physical fitness, and for the attainment of a sense of spiritual fulfillment. It is indispensable for leading a healthy and cultured life, both physically and mentally, throughout one's life. With the Corona disaster, I have become more active in sports than ever before. I believe that what is important in the core of a person is a healthy state of mind to enjoy life. When I play sports, I lose all sorts of fuzziness and feel an indescribable sense of fulfillment. The Corona society has made me rediscover the power of sports. The concept of "Nine M" is "Luxury abnormal uniform. I try to create a design that makes people feel positive and uplifted when they wear it. In this social climate, where people tend to feel downwards due to various regulations and restrictions, we have created a collection with the theme of inspiring the power of sports.
The theme was "The Power of Sport. The show video was full of sporty touches, with models strutting around a soccer court with green grass in the background with light music.
Looking at each item, there are a number of designs with sports motifs. Take, for example, this shirt and pants set-up. The stripes on the body are in the colors of the Olympics, and the item seems to celebrate the sports festival to be held this year.
The material used is cotton rayon, which gives the garment a sense of falling, and it is also designed to fit the body. According to Mr. Yoshida, the clothes were created with the idea of "clothes that can be worn for three whole days.
Incidentally, the key color for this collection is rainbow. In line with this, models are cast regardless of skin color or gender.
The flags of Brazil, Portugal, Finland, and other countries are placed on the cardigans and knitwear. Incidentally, since Mr. Yoshida is a soccer fan, many of the designs feature strong soccer nations. The designs show a glimpse of the creator's personal side.
The shirts and pants using the brand's signature hand-printed textile printing technique are multicolored and have a great impact. Although they may be difficult to style, we feel that these clothes have the power to make you feel happy just by wearing them.
For example, it might be a good idea to balance the look with a simple item, such as a pitch-black stadium jacket, as in the look.
This cotton stainless-steel collar coat is made waterproof by coating the fabric with castor oil. This product was born from Mr. Yoshida's own love of travel and his desire to create waterproof fabrics for travel.
It is reversible, with the inside switched to wool melton material. This is a dress with a playful touch packed into an orthodox item, such as the rainbow color scheme on the collar.
This jacket looks like a camouflage pattern, but it actually incorporates graphics of people exercising, such as judo, running, and skiing.
To further enhance its waterproofing properties, it is coated with a material made from yarns and naturally derived materials. While functional enough to work in the rain, the finish is fluorine-free and earth-friendly.
The lineup also includes items inspired by judo suits and gowns worn by boxers. None of these items have functionalities suitable for sports, but rather express a sports taste in terms of design.
Many of the looks feature beautiful and sporty items coexisting with each other, which may serve as a reference for the so-called "sports mix" style.
Incidentally, the theme behind the collection is "not to use synthetic fibers. Although it is only a guess, the attitude of developing creations mainly using natural materials may be rooted in the desire to protect his favorite travel destinations and, ultimately, the earth.
It was the "9M" collection for fall/winter 2009 that conveyed Mr. Yoshida's thoughts and tastes to the recipients through the items. Please check out the collection video as well as the looks.
