Originally published on metropolis.co.jp on October 2009

Watching a fashion with cross-dressing models dancing around the runway to techno at 10:30 on Friday morning is certainly an interesting way to start the day, and to inject a little extra energy into the final stretch of Japan Fashion Week.

Gut’s Dynamite Cabaret, the brand of designing team Cabaret Aki and Jackal Kuzu, has come a long way since they debuted in Japan Fashion Week way back in 2007. What started as an over-the-top men’s underwear line has evolved into a full-fledged fashion brand. At the Friday show, the trademark Gut’s camp was still in full effect, with transgender models, dancers, and a Madonna impersonator. But there were professional models as well, sporting well-executed creations that were bold and colorful, but–for this brand at least–comparatively restrained. The show ended with the two designers coming out and doing a little victory dance.