Harajuku Freak

Japanese designers have always been at the centre of fashion as they create the most innovative and daring statement pieces, they are also known for their skills, often using the mannequin rather than traditional pattern cutting to create their garments. We found some very exciting examples of Japanese Avant-Garde design talent at Vodafone London Fashion Weekend.

AKIRA NAKA

During his time as a student at the Royal College of Fine Art Antwerp, Naka met a tailor and this inspired him to become a designer. Success was imminent as he was selected to join the Hyeres International Mode Festival. Before returning to Japan in 2006, Naka also added knitwear to his repertoire, working for an American knitwear designer. 

Both of the jackets above show a clear confidence with leather, pig skin in particular is part of his unusual material choices. Zips and studs also adorn his garments, as he puts his mark on the traditional biker jacket.





Pictured above is a jacket featuring panels of silver material, which is in fact titanium similar to the coating on touch screen phones.

@IZREEL

@IZREEL's edgy menswear

Initially majoring in Mathematics, Takakura debuted his first collection when he launched @IZREEL in May 2003, and is going on to expand his horizons by signing contracts with brands and designers worldwide. We were told that fans of his work include Jay Z and the Black Eyed Peas.

The inspiration for this season's collection was Japanese armour, asymmetric cuts and metallic finishes give an edge to his heritage. 

A kimono inspired summer dress by Theatre Products

Highlights of London Fashion Weekend

We're going to be making several posts about designers and experiences we had at Vodafone London Fashion Weekend, so here's a breakdown of what we'll be covering over the next week.

Arriving at Somerset House

Vodafone London Fashion Weekend is a 4 day event following on from London Fashion Week, giving the public a chance to experience catwalk shows and exclusive designer discounts. We were there on Friday, seeking out the hottest AW trends in all areas of fashion.

Rosie and Mollie from Alex Monroe

We were particularly interested in many of the jewellery designers exhibiting in The Tent, and if you haven't already, check out our guest post for the OSOblog. OSOYOU is part of Aigua Media Ltd, which reaches over 1 million women a month. Launched at London Fashion Week in 2007, by Grazia Magazine's Dawn Bebe, the network combines several blogs for every fashionista's need.



Fashion helps Charity

The Environmental Justice Foundation collaborated with our favourite designers to display a range of fashion conscious t-shirts, which were on sale at Vodafone London Fashion Weekend. The company use all profits in their fight to stop child exploitation in cotton fields, allowing shoppers to feel guilt-free.

There was also a £5 raffle with a chance to win a range of great fashion related prizes.

Finsk's architectural shoe

Through out the day we hunted down must-have shoes and bags that caught our eye. We gathered a real mix of styles and the biggest bargains that would instantly make a statement for the modern woman.

Andrew from Azuni

 We were lucky enough to get an insight into the fashion industry as Azuni told us their mind-opening opinion on the development of retail and the fashion industry. As well as telling us the background to their beautiful pieces sourced from natures finest crystals and precious stones.

Japanese designers at Harajuku Freak

 Harajuku freak includes 6 Japanese brands which feature innovative and interesting garments that have a powerful edge. The concept behind the company is to stock limited and rare clothing by avant-garde designers. Garments included daring materials and complex pattern cutting.

Drinking Chambord Royale cocktails in front of the Elizabeth Arden stand

 A complimentary raspberry inspired cocktail was given out to the first lucky 150 people, whilst in The Tent, shoppers had makeovers in relation to A/W '10 trends by sponsors Toni&Guy and Elizabeth Arden.

The Catwalk Report

 We'll be reporting the about the influential designers who exhibited their collections, and latest array of AW '10 trends straight from the catwalk. This will also include other stylish women who were also sitting front row.

H&E xx