When I was last in Tokyo, I got a firsthand introduction to the fashion of Nozomi Ishiguro – previously only a name from Japan Fashion Week. I saw some amazing pieces in store at Lumine Est Shinjuku – the quirky shopfront (as you can see below) really enticed me in to see what the collection was like.

I’m not usually that excited by knits, but in his hands they became truly creative pieces, almost works of art. Very textured, and with great colour, I was most tempted to buy a knitted skirt. Inside the store was this most unusual cubby-house type structure, covered all over with oddities – more of an art installation, I guess….

I got up to the top floor roof garden for Merry Go Land (remember my post on Grimoire and Tarock at Merry Go Land earlier?) and saw some Nozomi Ishiguro gear up close.  He uses tweed-like fabrics in totally non-Chanel or traditional ways: assymetrically draped, ruffled and ruched, and paired with other fabrics.

It gave the nobbled fabric a real hipness and modernity, and showed that it could be flirty and fun, and quirky and edgy. Well, I never! I was tempted, as I said, but as it was 37 degrees in Tokyo right then, I was really NOT looking for clothing in a warm fabric like this  – despte seeing  fall/winter fashion beginning to flood the stores.

It was with great interest that I saw pics from the Osaka show (from Japanese Streets); it was the same collection “Gypsy Ballerina”, but they look sooo much more ipressive on the human form!

There is a newer Summer collection out now, but I prefer this one, comparing the two. Definitely a designer who deserves more recognition. Let’s see whether 2011 brings that recognition.