MILAN, Oct 3, 2002 / --- With all of the weightiness surrounding most fashion shows these days - high drama and the pressure of a perfect performance - it's nice to see a presentation that lets loose and has a bit of fun in the process.

Such was the case at the kitschy runway show for Evisu - a presentation focused much more on revelry rather than on the gravity of clothing.

The usual group of well-manicured editors in the rows of the warehouse space in Via Tortona had been replaced by hip mix of downtown types.

Youthful, messy haired guests, sporting Margiela Ts and Puma accessories, socialized and genuinely enjoyed themselves as a live band jammed on stage.

Evisu is that exclusive Japanese denim line, instantly recognizable by the wing-like curves plastered to the back pockets.

The dark hard denim became somewhat of a cult item a few years back in select fashion circles.

The line has recently been expanded to include sportswear, luggage and shoes, all of which was on bold display last night.

The irreverent tone was sealed at the start of the show as Hidehiko Yamane, the designer for the line, took an amusing walk down the runway in a 60s travel suit, snapping photos of the audience and the photographers themselves.

This was followed by a series of 60s Pan-Am stewardess types, sporting sleek denim looks, satin print Japanese dresses, and vintage-inspired accessories.

Dark denim continued to reign in Evisu´s collection but was morphed into new shapes like poofy blouses, long volumized dresses, worker jumpsuits and super skinny jeans.

Yamane signed off with his own samurai salute, after sending out a row of youthful, Roman-empresses.

His mix of Roman Holiday and Japanese 60s traveling - however bizarre it sounds - had the freshness and levity this crowd of onlookers loved.

Evisu

Evisu

Evisu

Evisu

Evisu by Hidehiko Yamane