June 26, 2010 saw one of the most dreamlike and poetic presentations in men’s fashion: that of Japanese designer Mihara Yasuhiro’s Spring Summer 2011 menswear collection. His previous show was accompanied by the crystalline notes of a violin, but this time particular attention was paid to the scenography itself, with a breathtaking set interacting with the show, and arousing great emotion in the audience.
Inspired by Henry David Thoreau’s book Walden or Life in the Woods and Sean Penn’s film Into the Wild, the creator created a dreamlike show combining visual effects and an accomplished collection on the relationship between man and his environment, and more specifically between man and nature. And when man finds himself once again entranced by the lights of the city, he doesn’t forget his new disposition. And to accompany the urban male on his journey back to his natural element, the Japanese company WOW has created a beautiful mise-en-scène, projecting shadow puppets in relation to the silhouettes scrolling across the stage on a video-projection screen wall.
Nature slowly awakens, a silhouette of a man appears in shadows, quickly transforming into thousands of silhouettes of birds taking flight. The urban male can begin his journey. Outfits in shades of beige, brown or khaki follow on from each other, perfectly suited to a hike in the forest or mountain heights, and featuring Bermuda shorts. Chunky socks are a must, whether worn with moccasins, sandals or hiking boots. The ideal accessory is a backpack. Mihara Yasuhiro reinvents the hunting vest and the safari jacket. There are a few nods to the designer, such as his famous tartan, his taste for asymmetry and his tendency to multiply layers of clothing.
Suddenly, the rain appears. Shy at first, it soon took off. The designer came up with hybrid windbreakers, part windbreaker, part poncho, to protect men from the elements. Once again, his taste for asymmetry and cut-outs exploded. Pantshorts were very much in evidence, and loose-fitting jackets abounded, leaving the body free to move.
The man moves deeper and deeper into the forest, the long jackets and coats adorned with forest motifs, camouflage in the form of flowers or animal motifs like this impressive eagle’s head. Then, once again, the silhouette of a man reappears in shadows and is snatched up by a bird. The cataclysm takes place, everything flies away: leaves, trees and animals.
The lights of the city, probably Paris, are back in place. The urban male returns to his accustomed surroundings and a more sophisticated outfit. Suits are lightened for a more relaxed, streamlined silhouette, with airy fabrics. Pantshorts and Bermuda shorts are always worn with jackets. Only the occasional pair of walking shoes worn in town is a reminder of the man’s journey. One constant: the backpack remains the accessory of choice for this new male.
Finally, the city lights evaporate in thousands of bubbles for a final return to nature. The silhouette of a man carried by a bird returns, revealing itself to be that of the creator saluting to thunderous applause and the release of shadowy feathers.
Mihara Yasuhiro wanted to bring man back to his natural environment, and to do so he delivers a veritable invitation to travel. And the invitation was a success, transporting us into the natural world so dear to the designer.
Marie-Odile Radom
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