The fluctuation in ambience could have caused unevenness in other designers but Gardé; Collective’s Spring/Summer show “Tokyo” appeared unified and complete.

Arresting space-age white suits, hooded tops, mesh layering and sweeping capes were scored with a beautifully angelic soundtrack and the theme of urban purity was unmistakable. One of the early standouts was a zipped white dress with white leather gloves. These items were complemented with chained necklaces and crochet-style sleeves and scarves.

Cargo pants in various dazzling colours and beach style vest tops and crop tops dominated the next phase of the show. There was a slight military feel to this stage and the use of army green with zips and tied waistcoats seemed sexy but distinguished.

“BlackSummer” proceeded and this neo-gothic blitz of studded chain belts and edgy layered skirts cemented Kikuko Maki’s reputation of showing a balanced fusion of street fashion and couture – an ability that some other designers at Japan Fashion Week have already shown.

Floating knitted waistcoats and a petticoat skirt ended this progressive and spectacular collection and the Gardé Collective label displayed that it is rapidly becoming a heavyweight of innovative street-couture fashion.

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