Originally published on metropolis.co.jp on January 2010

Photo by Kevin Mcgue

Every few years, a big-budget Hollywood film comes along with such a strong visual style that its influence can instantly be seen on fashion runways. Moulin Rouge brought the corset back in 2001, and Marie Antoinette made ruffled skirts hip again in 2006. Judging from the soon-to-be-released spring/summer collections from cutting-edge Japanese designers, two of the most-hyped movies of this season are setting the tone in the fashion realm as well. Tim Burton’s Alice in Wonderland and Spike Jonze’s Where The Wild Things Are have introduced a whimsical, mischievous feel that is sure to appeal to Tokyoites who like to experiment with their looks. Kyushu-based designer Junya Tashiro previously drew from Victorian and 18th-century French fashions, before making a surprising detour towards more modern styles in black last season. His upcoming collection (right) returns to his familiar white and beige pallet, echoing the look of Anne Hathaway as the White Queen in the upcoming Burton film. Tashiro employs his usual asymmetry and intentionally rough and unfinished edges, giving the impression of a slightly bedraggled Alice who has just come out of the rabbit hole.

Photo by Kevin Mcgue

Designer Aya Furuhashi’s Fur Fur brand (right) borrows from the impish atmosphere of Wild Things, with prints featuring pirate skull-and-crossbones patterns and treasure maps drawn in a child’s hand, and multi-layered apparel in clashing patterns topped with oversized hats, giving the impression of kids playing in their parents’ closet.

Fur Fur: 2F Laforet Harajuku, 1-11-6 Jingumae, Shibuya-ku. Open daily 11am-8pm. Tel: 03-3479-2005 www.furfurfur.jp

www.junyatashiro.com