The Bite Magazine - Spring/Summer 2021 - Issue 29

bitecatwalk ATSUSHI NAKASHIMA T his co-ed collection by Atsushi Nakashima was presented via live stream to an eager audience. Directed and created by Yohsuke Hayashi and Daigo Yamaguchi at the Zōjō-ji temple in Tokyo, Japan, for Milan’s SS21 Fashion Week, the simplicity and tranquillity of the temple acted as an ideal backdrop to the wildness of the collection. The show itself was fun to watch as it reminded me of one of the best things to do while in Tokyo: people-watching in the city’s Anime District! A bit far-out, a bit uncon- ventional, but as always, super fun, funky and creative, this small line-up had a bit of everything going on. Inspired by the Tokkoufuku, a long, loose kimono-like coat worn by Japanese gang members, and Nakashima’s desire to blend traditional Japanese spirituality with Western traits and techniques; the pieces that walked showed this cohesion of cultures. Everything from baseball tees, bomber jackets and pleated skirts paired with kimonos and high- waisted pants knotted with furoshiki belts, the art of folding and wrapping fabric. As a whole, it was a loud, uplifting set for the times, but functionally, perhaps a bit on the tricky side. www.atsushinakashima.com FASHION WEEK MILAN Spring/Summer 2021