Originally published on metropolis.co.jp on August 2011

Just when you thought summer was hot enough, along comes an event that can make you sweat just thinking about it. Tokyo Fashion Fuse 5 takes its cool mix of models and world-class DJ talent to the breathtaking Tokyo Bay venue Tabloid on Aug 20.

Fast cars, heart-stopping girls, fashion and music have been the hallmark of producer Street Level’s glamour event, and they have upped the ante once again for TFF5. Powered by main sponsor Lamborghini (guests can snuggle up to a bright orange Gallardo at the entrance) and headlined by Japan’s world-famous techno DJ Ken Ishii, along with special guest, celebrity model Elli-Rose, it looks to be a big night down by the sea.

Tokyo Fashion Fuse has picked up quite a following working alongside luxury sponsors such as Lamborghini and Jaguar with brands like SLY and No Name collaborating on previous shows, as well as American denim designer True Religion, whose first ever show in Japan was a big hit at TFF3. Fox TV will be bringing their cameras to film a feature-length episode for their party show Fox Backstage Pass in the cavernous event space at Tabloid.

Good music rubbing up against beautiful models is hardly rocket science, but 2008 Miss Universe Japan Hiroko Mima—a regular at the event—had her five cents to throw in.

“The DJs are always great and the organizers are meticulous in choosing the music for the fashion shows, so Tokyo Fashion Fuse has its own unique flavor,” she said. “It has a home-made feel to it but it’s run by a real professional crew, so it’s easy for guests to really get into the event and have a great night.”

If Miss Universe candidates aren’t your thing, Ken Ishii’s presence really raises the credibility of the event to another level. Ishii, in case you’ve forgotten, began his meteoric rise to superstardom in Europe in the early 1990s and composed the official theme music for the 1998 Winter Olympics in Nagano. His credentials will be on full display.

“It’s summer. It’s hot. I’m not going to come in and cool things down!” he warned. “I’m going to make everyone sweat and smile and have a great time!”

Womb resident Satoshi Otsuki, fresh from making a splash at this year’s Big Beach festival, will also be spinning, bringing the yin to Ishii’s yang with his “feeling groovy” style of dance music. Weekend Warrior Kouichi Hirose and Romanian bomber Dani Savant, fast making a name for himself in Tokyo’s clubland, will also be in the house.

“TFF4 was big, but the world-class music, fashion and models deserve a larger audience,” Savant reckons. “Having it at Tabloid makes it possible. I’m excited about playing alongside a real techno pioneer in Ken Ishii.”

But let’s not forget the fashion element. TFF regulars Ayaka Hanawa, Mitsuyo Uesaka and Naomi Obata will be joined by three new guest models to keep punters eyes riveted to the catwalk.
“It’s going to be hot!” said Street Level’s creative director Paul Banks. “Only two rules: have fun and keep your paws off the Lamborghini. Only kidding! But seriously, don’t touch the Lamborghini. I mean, it’s a Lamborghini.”

Tabloid, Aug 20. See club listings for details.