Sixh. Fashion Opera Fashion Show

The Sixh. Fashion Opera began with a fashion show split into three collections; IBI, MINT and MINT NEKO. All were modelled by the designers, IBI and MINT as well as Sixh. band member NARI along with a variety of special guests…

From Golden Bomber: Utahiroba Jun.

From heidi: Yoshihiko, Nao, Kiri and Kosuke.

From Serial Number: Sasaki Jin.

From Inugami Circus Dan: Kyouko and Akira.

From MATERIAL CROWN and Men’s Spider: Designer Ruka.

IBI Collection

Drama seemed to be the way to go with IBI toting a sword on several occasions. His glide down the catwalk to a digital beat evolved into a deadly dance as he spun a slow circle, steel tip extended. The weapon seemed somewhat at odds with his modern rocker outfit, yet blended well with chains hanging from his belt and the metallic glint of his shirt. His next appearance with sword in hand had a more casual feel in a long white coat trimmed in black with loosely zippered shirt collar. However, his final outfit, industrial white paint sponged over his trademark black in both pants and coat, was striking and well-matched with this neo-warrior theme.

NARI took on the denim-jeaned rocker-boy role. His entrance heralded the return to operatic music with a tinkle of chimes and full-bodied vocals, and then Sasaki Jin entered the runway like a pro, displaying every aspect of his outfits with cool motions and a stoic expression. The black and white suited him to a tee, accessories, buckles, zips and flaps all becoming a part of his natural look. He even wore the green and gold mask of his second appearance with a charming, princely air.

For a while, Utahiroba Jun attempted to match the cold, hard expressions of those who came before him, but it wasn’t long before he dissolved into grins, working the crowd even as he worked the outfits. The first piece had a very Goth feel, tight and visually striking with corseted laces and an intricate design of butterfly and moon. And let’s not forget the lap he spent with a toy tommy-gun shooting at the crowd.

Perhaps the most drastic transformation was that of Yoshihiko: The shy vocalist looked stunning in IBI’s loose mesh sleeves and red, leopard print fur-lined jacket, the unzipped portions contrasting against almost plain black with minimal patterning. They say the accessories make the woman, but in visual kei the statement is just as true for the men, so the strapped gauntlet-gloves were a perfect addition to the ensemble. Next came Yoshihiko’s fellow band member Kosuke who is never seen without his fedora. This time he was webbed in blue and silver chains to offset the rose-printed cloak dramatically wrapped about his body.

The following two models were none other than Kyouko and Akira of Inugami Circus DanThe charismatic female vocalist carried an Asian-style parasol, plucking wrist-bands from the end and tossing them to the crowd. Her unique, artistically draped visual style kimono contrasted with the bright yellow and red veil woven into her hair. Akira’s devil-horned persona seemed quite at home in the matching kimono style outfit printed with paint stains and an embossed metallic purple butterfly.

The remaining models included MATERIAL CROWN designer, Ruka, also known from Hime Ichigo as well as his activities with the Men’s Spider Band. His lady counterparts owned the catwalk in sexy off-the-shoulder white and black, smartly patterned short skirts, red streaked, fur-lined jackets and a particularly amazing dress that curled intriguingly.

MINT Collection

MINT strolled out to creepy music in long checks and huge sunnies with bass strung loosely over his back. NARI transformed from a dork in massive nerd-glasses to a guitar-toting metro-sexual complete with gathered balloon pants and a fur-collared jacket. The classic style of the guitar contrasted by its brilliant red lent flavor to the simple design and proved it wasn’t just for aesthetics by jamming over the background music of violin.

The remaining members of heidi. sported a subtle theme of red tartan strips, gathered in Kiri’s case and trimming the immense bell-like sleeves that half-concealed the drumsticks seemingly attach to his hands. Nao, too, seemed reluctant to part with the tool of his trade, guitar hung loosely on his shoulder. His checked pants were trademark heidi. but the leather-thong sash about his waist belonged solely to the Sixh. design. His final plain black image synced with a screech of feedback and the commencement of far heavier music than the previous piano.

Sasaki Jin’s plain, long white tee and loose black cardigan seemed to be designed for him and him alone, and he wore the clothes like a second skin. A personal favorite of this reporter was the Obi-Wan Kenobi inspired black hoodie, with wrap-around white belt displayed by one of the models.

The entrance of Utahiroba was somehow all musician, right down to the bass in hand which it turns out this air bassist was playing (however jokingly) for the first time. Leather jacket, long skirt over loose pants and a MINTNEKO pendant completed the outfit.

MINT NEKO Collection

A rooster’s crow and a hayseed version of the ever popular “Chopsticks” ditty were all the introduction needed as various MINTNEKO characters scrolled in as a backdrop. First on the scene and brimming with enthusiasm was the cat-loving Kiri of heidi. Casually attired in black and grey with a MINTNEKO pendant hanging as the feature, the drummer tossed a ball to the crowd.  Kiri even came back for a second helping, skipping around and looking like a pitcher waiting to strike as he picked out his targets. The shimmery jacket he wore was almost lost in the startling polka-dots of his long dress/shirt with a draping black neckline.

In a massive purple tartan scarf and plain white jacket, Kosuke completed the rhythm section, his expression amused as he too threw balls to the crowd.

Yoshihiko almost matched Kosuke although his blue scarf brought a bright edge to the outfit and his mismatched pant legs completed the scene. The highlight of the outfit, though, was the collaboration revealed on the back of his jacket, the incorrigible cat riding atop heidi.’s mascot heizo beneath a swinging MINTNEKO hood. It doesn’t get much cuter.

The usually stoic Nao pulled his hood up, swinging about a large MINTNEKO bag from which to pull his share of sphere’s for the crowd. The cute clothes and goofy music seemed to do a pure 180 on his personality.

MINT modelled a Pierrot-like assortment of baggy checks and polka dots that was accompanied by an attempt at juggling as he pulled colored balls out of a black sack.-However, his fun attitude was outmatched by Utahiroba’s energy, the air-bassist dancing about like a true farm-boy.

Keeping with the Asian theme, Kyouko appeared in a Happi Coat, which is traditional Summer nightwear and revealed after she stripped off her own white MINTNEKO hoodie. Akira’s blood-splattered loose black shirt accentuated by subtle red and white checks on an equally loose jacket were more than a fitting design for the enigma of a drummer.

A blue MINTNEKO hoodie and the separate piece of a black-and-tartan long-eared beanie-cap half-concealed Sasaki Jin’s white MINTNEKO shirt. Hidden beneath the jacket was a sleek, furry black MINTNEKO bag from which he snuck out his two balls to be shared with the fans. NARI had MINTEKO all over him, creating a fresh look for the Sixh. guitarist.

MINT’s final ensemble was a real prize-winner. The stylish tartan jacket unzipped to reveal a plain white shirt adorned with “I (MINTNEKO) Sixh.” Who needs hearts, anyway? The topper for the show was Utahiroba’s baggy, white and black shirt with big zipper-patterned sleeves, however the real button was his summersault down the runway before he tossed his gifts high for the waiting fans.

There are 24 photos in this visual kei exclusive.

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