On October 20, 2017, DOKOKA KITANO-HOU exhibited its new S/S 2018 collection at a room in Shibuya TOC Building. This season’s theme is “lucent,” inspired by the sparkling lake surface, said the designer Mayu Kusuhara.
“A lady from somewhere stands in the forest that is fading in the dim sun light. Feeling the crisp breeze by the lake on her skin, she seems to be searching for momentary escape from her constrained life. The sweet sorrow in daily life leads her to ‘somewhere north (dokoka kitano-hou)’ on the gentle wind.”
This is how the author interpreted the brand name DOKOKA KITANO-HOU based on the designer’s explanation. DOKOKA KITANO-HOU envisions a woman who is attracted to that same feeling we experience in diverse occasions, such as a sudden hollow feeling in a tense urban life, or brief loneliness that comes during a calm moment in peaceful nature. The brand name indicates somewhere cold that is not specific. The designer leaves room for people to understand it freely. This abstract approach, I believe, touches some people’s heart.
By combining original prints, natural and artificial materials, and processes, the new collection portrays a place where a city and nature meet. The most characteristic item for this season’s collection is a dress that illustrates a shining lake and beauty of nature with geometric lace that is hand-dyed unevenly using the technique called murazome. Featuring items both for dress-up occasions and relaxed situations, it is a feminine collection for women who want to dress nicely in daily life.
Brand: DOKOKA KITANO-HOU
