The invitation for Yohji’s event resembled a Christopher Wool painting with its accordion-pleat scribbles, filled with thought-provoking Yamamoto quotes like “Give me one more chance,” “Don’t be body-shaming,” and “Too old to die.” It was intriguingly ambiguous, revealing little about Yamamoto’s plans.
The show kicked off on a surprisingly high note, accompanied by lively jazz and bursts of color. Leather jackets showcased large portraits of enigmatic girls gazing back at the audience. As is typical, there was no explicit explanation, but the recurring female portraits throughout the collection indicated that women were a focal point for Yamamoto.
Alternatively, it might reflect an interest in Japan’s current trend towards androgynous fashion. Young men in Japan often wear skirts as casually as jeans, not in an overtly feminine way but as a means to blur sartorial boundaries and explore new male silhouettes. This was particularly evident in the full-length sheath dresses, which were slightly too feminine in their design to be considered Egyptian thobes but still evoked that image. These dresses, adorned in jewel tones and striking female portraits, are likely to be popular with both the press and Yamamoto’s dedicated customers.
Yamamoto’s devoted male fans were present in full force, with groups of head-to-toe enthusiasts lining the sidewalk outside the show, all dressed in the latest season’s painted pieces and the most extravagant designs. Their unwavering support highlights Yamamoto’s careful, continual evolution and steadfast dedication to his craft, ensuring they will keep following their fashion leader.