Dear Shaded Viewers,
It’s been a while since we have seen a classic runway. As though the pandemic didn’t happen, Yohji Yamamoto debuted his Spring/Summer21 collection with a live show in the reception hall of Hotel de Ville. The designer said, “As soon as I made the decision to show in Paris, I stopped worrying; just do it.”
Yohji Yamamoto has never been one to follow trends. Despite the rapid fashion system, he follows his own speed. A true non-conformist at heart, this collection again was quintessentially Yohji, the master of shadows.
As the models were walking down the runway slowly, they looked as if they were shadows in the woods…with feathers in their heads and fluidly draped dresses that gave the impression of roots extending away from their bodies, looking for somewhere to hold on to. Whenever they approached each other, they would turn their bodies away from one another, like a gentle bow.
“I’m not an artist who sends a strong political message, I just wanted to stand on the side of human beings, even if they are not always good.” said the designer.
The collection felt weightless and organic, as it featured mostly loose silhouettes and of course the designer’s signature black. There was no rush, nothing restraining…but only serenity.
