DALLAS, Jul 15, 2004/ FW/ --- It’s Harry Potter goes to the Bahamas as Tokyo-based designer Masaki Matsushima sent lads in short on the runway last July 5 in Paris, presenting his Spring 2005 menswear collection, with some womenswear included.

But these guys were not slouches either, they wore jackets and ties with their shorts. And oh my, what a show of men’s legs! A small piece of advise for gents who plan to wear Masaki Matsushima next spring – start shaving your legs now! Some of the models during the show can put some women to shame on how they take care of their legs.

Matsushima did not forget that some men might be uncomfortable wearing shorts all the time, so he also created armadillo-inspired pants, trousers that have horizontal pleats from the thigh down. And as an embellishment, he added a reflector fabric of the same color on one leg. A good safety precaution when walking at night; drivers will be apt to see you!

Starting a new trend on men’s shirts, the Tokyo-based designer created kimono-inspired shirts. No plackets! One side goes over the other side, and a sash about 2” wide closes the shirt either at the back or front, depending on the wearer’s choice.

The thin sash was seen also as decorations, as strips of cloth on tank tops and jackets. And so was the reflector fabric, which was also seen as wide piping edging for jackets too. It even appeared on the few women’s clothes that were shown.

The collection was androgynous avant-garde. With this collection, Masaki Matsushima more than pleased his fans and will definitely continue his cult following.

Masaki Matsushima

Masaki Matsushima

Masaki Matsushima

Masaki Matsushima