At this Japan Fashion Week, we are missing some of the regular names. Hiroko Koshino for example is not showing, and neither is mercibeaucoup. “The JFW schedule didn’t match with ours, so we did our show last week, outside the JFW,” a spokesperson of mercibeaucoup explained. Their high-energy shows are always a lot of fun to watch, so this was a great disappointment.

But instead of known names, there are also quite a few new ones this season. We are looking forward to seeing their work and hope they will susrprise and delight.

On the first day, yesterday, we shot motonari ono, KAMISHIMA CHINAMI, THEATRE PRODUCTS (see linked photo on the left) and mintdesigns, as well as the SHINMAI Creator’s Project, a selection of new designers just starting out.

We will be shooting and uploading all week, so check regularly for new photos at 03 2009 Japan Fashion Week.

Besides myself, Sami Noiri is shooting as well. Sami produces incredible work and has a studio right in the middle of Tokyo. Check out his portfolio on his site.