Mihara Yasuhiro A/W 2012 Collection – Featuring Miyavi

Mihara Yasuhiro (or Miharayasuhiro) enlisted his friend Miyavi to provide the soundtrack to his A/W 2012-13 collection shown as part of Paris Fashion Week.  It certainly was all that was needed to set the scene for the show, which was a pleasantly refined affair taking in plenty of streetwear friendly military themes but combining them unashamedly Japanese touches throughout.  It is still something of a rarity to use traditional Japanese imagery and fabrics in these kind of international fashion settings, but as a resident Japanese fashion-phile it is something a genuinely feel has unexplored depths even in this day and age.  In this collection Mihara Ysuhiro was having fun bringing together 19th century tailoring and military with Tokugawa-era Japanese fabrics, detailing and embroidery.  Although much of the latter has since become decidedly modern through the Neo-Japan revival we have seen in American Casual fashion over in East Tokyo, Mihara Yasuhiro’s take is altogether more authentic and a distinct shade about the street style norm.

Altogether, despite constantly tempering the Japanese elements with western elements, even to the point where the Japanese fabrics crossed into camouflage, it was a show that felt defiantly proud of Japan and along with the designer’s sentiments after the earthquake last March delivered a message of positivity and strength.  Oh and needless to say – Miyavi looked damn cool as well:

Note the nice bit of embroidery on the cuffs in this case in the Neo-Japonism style popular in the immediate post-war.

A tight silhouette given a nice twist with the addition of Japanese ribbon on the arms.

As you would expect from Miharayasuhiro the footwear was a real highlight – especially this very subtle camouflage effect on the toes of the above.

The britches in the above helped him conjure up a slightly different silhouette in a couple of looks.

The amplified and rounded shoulders, which we have seen very prominently throughout this Paris season, made an appearance on the catwalk in a modest fashion compared to the likes of Thom Browne and Rick Owens.

As we enter the end of the presentation, the Japanese references became more obvious and really brought the collection to life.

And last but my no means least, Mihara Yasuhiro taking a bow next to Miyavi.

For further reading on Miharayasuhiro there is an official site here and I will keep an eye out for any developments with this brand at Tokyo fashion Week in March.