Junya Watanabe: Techno-Couture Lives On
By Mari Davis

DALLAS, Mar 13, 2004/ FW/ --- Junya Watanabe together with Rei Kawakubo, is in a class of his own when it comes to fashion. They have a different eye than the rest of us. And that is probably the reason why we find Junya Watanabe’s creations enchanting.

Like the padded black gown made of nylon from a parachute that made the model look like video game vixen Lara Craft (not the movie version by Angelina Jolie, mind you). You can see the classic Edwardian lines, yet it is hard to imagine a woman wearing it outside of the runway or a futuristic movie.

Nevertheless, Junya Watanabe’s creativity is so apparent, that we love it nonetheless.

The black padded nylon wrap goes in the same category as the black padded nylon gown. It looks like the model went and picked up a sleeping bag and decided to wear it. Even Queen Amidalah of Star Wars fame will not be caught dead wearing it.

It is Junya Watanabe’s work on aged denim that has always caught my eye. The layered ruffles asymmetrical skirt with raw edges would surely be a favorite among the Gen X and Gen Y come fall. The knitted fuchsia wrap gave it a romantic appeal.

The low-rise denim skirt and pants are so much a part of streetwear today, there is no question that these items will also fly off the shelves once they hit stores.

This might not be his best collection, but his techno-couture lives on, as he continually turns silhouettes from a bygone era (like the Edwardian black nylon gown) to something completely new.

Junya Watanabe

Junya Watanabe

Junya Watanabe

Junya Watanabe