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X Japan Leader Yoshiki Debuts Kimono Collection at Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week in Tokyo
posted on by Lynzee Loveridge
The leader of the rock band X Japan debuted his first "Yoshikimono" kimono collection at Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week in Tokyo last weekend. The collection had a personal meaning for the performer, who grew up as the eldest son in a family kimono shop.
YOSHIKI tapped into those memories to introduce a collection he hoped would allure worldwide fans. He met with the producer Kyoto-based woven-goods manufacturer, Keigo Kano to create the collection. The aesthetic is a blend of traditional Japanese kimono sensibilities and YOSHIKI's own tastes.
As the show started, a taiko drum welcomed YOSHIKI as he entered the stage in a white kimono and wearing a traditional Noh mask, specifically a Hannya mask. He then removed it and sat at his piano to perform the runway's musical score with accompanying violinists. While his designs contain more than a hint of rock and roll, the musical performances were classical including Beethoven's Moonlight Sonata.
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