Street Interviews

MASAHITO KAJI

During London Fashion Week 2012 Masahito Kaji was showcasing his 15 piece men’s hat collection. It took place in Somerset House as part of the international fashion showcase, representing Japan. He has titled his exhibition KABUTO, showcasing the autumn/winter 2011/12 collection as well as the spring/summer 2012.
The inspiration for his A/W collection came completely from Samurai Armour, in particular, the helmets. Every piece in the collection is made from 100% Wool. He had been in London for the whole week, but only to see the international showcase. The international showcase is made up of 19 different embassies to display the work of emerging international designers.

GLORIA BAUME
Gloria Baume is the fashion director of Teen Vogue magazine, based in New York. Her job involves going to appointments & presentations, meeting designers, viewing collections, directing photo shoots for the magazine, organizing stylists & journalists and generally managing the fashion department.
We found Gloria rushing through Somerset House on her way to a Press Release. She was attending London Fashion Week covering all the shows to create a trend book for the magazine, attending roughly 5 shows a day. We were curious as to what her favourite shows had been but she couldn't choose, saying she'd seen so many good things. Her narrowed down 3 favourites were Burberry, Acne and JW Anderson.
Gloria was looking cute & creative wearing a red leather Tommy Hilfiger jacket, Boy Band of Outsiders blue patterned trousers, and a floral shirt under a navy sweater.

 

KTZ

‘From here to Then’ is the loose translation of Kokon To Zai, KTZ and I think that this can really be seen when looking at the inspiration for this collection.

Early 80s, new romantics and the likes of Boy George give us the ‘then’ feel to the garments, a sense of nostalgia. KTZ was also inspired by asexual and unisex clothing, male models can be seen wearing kilt-like skirts, it creates a sense of rebellion, there are no limits and no rules to the clothing. 

The designer mentions Russian monks as another influence due to their humbleness, strength and presence, and then follows this spiritual influence by looking into 2012 being the end of the Mayan calendar. ‘Bringing a moment of spirituality’ and a purity, a new calendar, a new start.

KTZ loves showing in London due to the strong, fresh, punk and rebellious feel, something he can relate to with his designs. Accompanying music for the collection was by a DJ friend from New York.