I’m not one to just focus on the champions so today, I’m dedicating posts to those that missed out on that MAHUSSIVE (I still can’t quite get over how Mango gave away 300,000 euros as a prize…) Mango Boton award which deservedly went to Sandrina Fasoli. However, she was up against some stiff competition that I’ve admired before and should definitely not be disregarded. Mikio Sakabe’s mesmerisubg prints for his last collection induced me to have his work as my desktop wallpaper for quite a while. So it was a bit of a shock to say the least to discover that his SS08 collection called ‘Industrial Dolls’ was so very stark.
Inspired by the office ladies of Tokyo going to work day in day out, he has replicated the mood and ‘uniforms’ of these women in his collection. As I shuffle my way out of Holborn tube station (for some stupid reason, right before you get on the escalators, there’s this long delay in the crowds…), I do feel like I’m doing this monotonous robot-walk as we all mindlessly follow the person in front of us and ride up the escalactors in a regimental formation. Strict, concise and exact best describes Sakabe’s collection which leans towards the aesthetic that Jil Sander is known for. However, with his choice of colours and materials, there’s still an hint of playfulness. The pastel shades, the contrast between leather and wool, the touches of sheer/PE materials means the collection isn’t as baffling as you would think on first impression.
I just know that I’d probably be a whole less stressy in the mornings too if I tackled the rat race in these outfits.
I like the metal bags, but the whole concept of dolls puts me off a whole lot. I just don’t see the appeal of a stiff doll, especially when it has been played to death in the last couple of years.
Stiff doll? I really think the doll refers to the softness and freshness of those ladies and the contrast to the industry, or as Susie points out – the rat race. And it is not this, indeed, commonly recurrent image of the restrained futuristic minimalist of the Raf Simons/Scandinavian aesthetic, on the contrary it’s the exact opposite – a little flower in the concrete garden. What not to like about this collection? It actually makes me think back onto Mikio’s graduation collection and an interview with Veronique Branquinho in #1 magazine from class of 2006 – the clothes for the photoshoot were a perfect match, since then I can’t skip the link. It’s just his woman is not wondering around the woods, but the busy streets of Tokyo.
nevermind the doll, love some of the pieces up there!
the metal tie is a nice touch and the gun metal shoes!
My god those pieces by Sakabe are *stunning*, every single one of em.. everything I look for in fashion!
Thanks for posting!
Fashion and utility in one is not something I see everyday, and I think these designs are spectacular. The concept could have gone seriously wrong, but these are sleek work outfits I’d wear in a hot minute. Beautiful use of neutral shades too.