March saw the runways of Tokyo Fashion Week buzzing with activity as the world's attention was drawn to the fashion capital for a taste of what is to come later this season. The runway show is a legacy that actually started in Japan in the halls of Nihombashi Mitsukoshi itself in 1927, and it is amazing to think how far fashion culture in Japan has come in the intervening years. Needless to say, some of the brands exhibiting as part of fashion week are also to be found in store, not least Hanae Mori Manuscrit which if you are a regular reader of this site you will no doubt be familiar with.
In keeping with the brand concept of contemporary grace, for the next season Hanae Mori Manuscrit designer Yu Amatsu treated his audience to a "combine" themed collection where contrast was key, splicing together textures and shapes all unified by a seductive smoky colour-palette. Speaking after the show, "I wanted to find ways of expressing different types of beautiful at the same time, and try to find a new sense of beauty in the process" says Amatsu. Amongst the mixture of shiny and matte textiles, attendees were surprised to see the presence of real kurogaki, black persimmon wood, not just on the statement clutch bags and accessories, but also used as a textile itself sliced extremely thin and then bonded to a base fabric. "It is thin enough, 0.14mm to be precise, to sew through just like fabric" explains the designer and likewise he chose different trees for their colour and natural patterns just like fabric, "I always found the age rings of trees beautiful and I wanted a way to use them in fashion, this collection theme seemed to be the right opportunity."
Elsewhere the kurogaki wood turned up intricately laser-cut to resemble lace, and naturally Hanae Mori's iconic butterfly motif also made its presence felt in a mixture of luxurious embroidery and lace, but also in the fantastical headpieces made specially for the show.
This collection will make its way to the store in time for autumn, but those intrigued by Hanae Mori Manuscrit's world can see the current collection for spring in store right now, where you will find a range of timelessly elegant designs that will take you from the runways of Tokyo to anywhere in the world your travels may take you.
Hanae Mori Manuscrit
Location
Nihombashi Mitsukoshi Main Building 3F, Ladies' Fashion