It’s a laboratory, a philosopher’s think tank, a child’s box of curiosities. Every season, without fail, designer Morinaga and his team invent some new trick to ponder and pour over for hours. He’s done blow-up clothing, shadow clothing, blurry clothing, chameleon clothing, 4D clothing, and now he’s done “self re-sizable” clothing. If you don’t understand what any of that means, then you’re 100% perfectly normal. This is a brand for those who truly see innovation in fashion as a means to excitement.
So the theme this time was “size” and it began with pairs of big stripes vs little stripes, big bag vs little bag, huge pants vs tight second-skin capris, etc.
And then the stage elevated three models above the audience. It was then that the three black dresses appeared to magically change shape by shrinking and scrunching before our eyes.
I immediately thought of the Hussein Chalayan dresses that also changed shape, but the similarities quickly dissipated when I saw that Anrealage’s clothes were meant to be worn, and not to be displayed as art, like Chalayan’s.
The size is done by a crank system created by Morinaga that when twisted, will adjust the clothing in different places. We’ve seen similar ideas in athletic shoes (Puma??) but not in clothing. Think of it like a pull-string without all of the ropes hanging out and piped everywhere like a puppet.
This morning before the show, I got an email from Anrealage. “Please come!”. I said I wouldn’t miss it for the world!
The show tonight was 40 minutes late (and remember I told you shows don’t start late in Tokyo) and Mami asked me if we should stay or leave. But my mind was made up; I wasn’t going to miss it. I am very glad I stuck around!
I hope Anrealage sticks around too; and gets more recognition globally for the amazing ideas they do too. As a side note, even the clothes on the runway that weren’t shown to change all have the crank system in them and will be for sale.