In March 2019, kaiki presented its new autumn/winter 2019 collection at SISONGALLERy in Shibuya, Tokyo.
Before the spring/summer 2018 collection, or before I started writing reports on kaiki,the brand’s items were mainly made of firm fabrics in more unisex styles. In contrast,collections after spring/summer 2018 feature draped lines, silky faux fur, and partial use of bold colors in subdued overall tones. These are the representations of womanliness in daily life that the designer Iio intends to express. These elements, which he had tried over the last several seasons, seem to have taken root uniquely in the brand’s collection.
A lookbook that shows the design of items is accompanied by a conceptual book that delineates the brand image. Photos were taken by Syuya Aoki, a 20-year-old young emerging photographer who is already working with some well-known brands. The conceptual photos portray vividly real women who wear sorrowful look, which almost reveals the true personality of models, rather than highlighting clothes.
Items in the new collection, even though designed for daily use, create an enigmatic atmosphere that makes women mysterious. The brand has drastically changed its conventional approach of employing young, cute models with natural beauty. I had an impression that the brand and its customers are truly becoming grown up together.
Brand: kaiki
