ROKKYUU Meets h.Naoto’s Modern Vampires at GOTH NIGHT in Harajuku
The h.naoto infamous h+ Harajuku store hosted “h.naoto’s Goth Night” to present the designer’s new collection. As Naoto himself explained after the show, the collection used Dracula’s image as a theme and on June 4, the creatures of the night graced us with their presence in a stunning fashion show where attention to detail and European inspired clothes came to life. The designer has strong roots in the music scene and this time invited an unusual duo to play live for the fashion show – Japanese guitarist and producer Takanori Tsunoda and Polish pianist and composer Slavomir Kowalewski.
Wearing dark gowns, frilly laces, downturned crosses, PVC, velvet, and leather, these fashionably accessorized vampires (many clad in hats, hoods, veils and capes so as to protect their frail skin) took time from their nightly feeding to grace us with their presence on the walkway and allow us to see the graceful form of the modern vampire and its peers.
The radically un-symmetrical, ultra modern vampire made its debut first in fine lace, the dress itself intermingled with the veil and gloves to give an overall aesthetic symmetry, which was further accentuated by identical styling on the front and back of the dress. The upper veiled area gave rise to a skirt tied around the waist by a belt to bring shape to this one piece.
In this pirate lolita look, we see some Victorian influences. The elegantly designed hat adds color to the majestic outfit and the coat makes the look stylish. The dress is reminiscent of the lady pirate, incredibly feminine in cut and drop, nicely tying up the image.
A favorite piece of Naoto himself is this hoodie which, like the rest of the collection, can be worn in different ways: either zipped all the way for protection from the cold weather or left open to make a statement. The trademark design on the back adds value, making it fashionable and comfortable at the same time.
The collection was dominated by plain colors with accessories accentuating the clothes as a highlight. What makes these clothes special is the intricate detail present in the laces and embroidery, turning the garments into a treasure hunt with surprises at every turn. For example, this loose design carries complex detail on the trimmings of the dress itself with multiple layers and a frilled collar. The cross is actually a specially designed h.Naoto tie.
Although the pieces were designed for female models, a strong sense of VK androgyny was visible throughout the whole show, installing a feeling of the fashionable yet mysterious and secretive to these new Gothic outfits.
After the show, Naoto addressed the crowd, giving some explanations regarding the collection and revealing that the next would be inspired by the popular characters of Robert Louis Stevenson’s Jekyll and Hyde.
ROKKYUU also spoke with both musicians about this collaboration and their plans for the future.
The collaboration between h.naoto and Takanori Tsunoda goes back to the days when the designer worked on the costumes for Tsunoda’s band MarBell (who performed at “hide Memorial Summit”). After this collaboration, it was the guitarist’s turn to help Naoto produce his protégés, Sixh. Tsunoda met Kowalewsky when both worked together writing background music for a popular TV channel. The Polish producer, who had never participated in an event like h.naoto’s, was excited by the opportunity of experimenting with different sounds and genres – and of course to collaborate with fashion. “You know, when I play, I usually don’t pay much attention to the type of clothes I wear,” the pianist confessed with a smile. You would think that Tsunoda’s visual/rock background would clash with Kowalewskys classical education but like other unusual collaborations, this one produced interesting and surprising sounds that matched h.naoto’s vampire theme perfectly. The classical aristocrat met revolutionary techno-metal creating the perfect atmosphere for the night. We look forward to the duo’s next collaboration and more surprises to come with h.naoto’s next collection and future collaborations.
Joan Bonnici was on a lifelong quest for musical perfection until one day she encountered visual kei, and it was love at first note. In between bouts of headbanging and growling at the top of her lungs, Joan manages to study for her Masters, travel around the world, and scour the tiny, hidden backstreet live houses in Japan in order to discover the next amazing band.
Diana Tome saw her life change when she came across X-Japan's Blue Blood. A big supporter of old school visual rock, she believes visual kei is a lifestyle and philosophy that goes beyond the clothing and the music. With a background in headhunting and psychotherapy, Diana completed her M.A. in Psychology from I.S.P.A. in Lisbon, Portugal. She now lives and works in Japan committed to keeping the VK/V-rock flame alive.
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