SATOMI EL BESO

Satomi El Beso closed out day two of Vancouver fashion week with thunderous applause and an audience wanting more. What better way to close a night of great fashion than with an exciting display of abounding creativity? Satomi El Beso is primarily a costume brand, from the world of Japanese idols. Designer Satomi Takakura has designed for T.V. shows, commercials, and live performances. Each of Takakura's costumes is an exclusive creation. The garments are carefully hand-worked using an array of specially chosen materials, including Japanese anime patterns by Japan-based artists.

When I saw the colorful display of costumes and beautiful anime visuals projected behind them, I knew I needed to know more. This is the world of Japanese idols. It all started back in the 1960s and still thrives today with thousands of young people being idols. "An idol is a type of entertainer whose image is manufactured to cultivate a dedicated consumer fan following. Idols are primarily singers with training in acting, dancing, and modeling. Japan's idol industry has been used as a model for other pop idol industries, such as K-pop." excerpt from wikipedia 

Photo courtesy of Satomi El Beso

Photo courtesy of Satomi El Beso

SATOMI EL BESO ON THE RUNWAY

The runway is the place where designers can show their most creative selves. While not everything that comes down the catwalk will be available in the shops or online stores, this is the place to present some art. Satomi El Beso's collection may not be your next choice for streetwear, however, what they did do, is provide us, viewers, with an overall feel, a theme, a mood, an artistic background, and the atmosphere of the collection. And for this critic, the designer's creations shone bright with many wearable pieces.

The designer-artist Satomi Takakura created an exhilarating atmosphere with animated videos and a pumping soundtrack. The first pieces down the catwalk exploded in hot pink and black vinyl and a repeated soft pink anime-ish print. Standing out is a coat with extended pointed shoulders, large black Japanese characters are suspended, bouncing as the model struts. Other pieces include a peplumed cartoon print jacket with a shiny baby-pink full skirt. The silhouettes are exaggerated, and the colors are all bright and bold. The garments are detailed with mesh, ruffles, strings of rhinestone, and belts with silver rivets.

Animation is paired with the looks in this collection. The vital clothing is supported by visuals that express the designer's positive attitude. There is Sailor Moon, who helps free herself from greed, Kimono Warrior, who frees people obsessed with their ideas, and Marine, who has a big heart like the sea and hugs people in need. These are characters that project the brand's values. Fun is a factor in this delightful show, and bringing fun to fashion is a positive.

Sailor Moon

Sailor Moon

Kimono Warrior

Kimono Warrior

Marine

Marine

Next are a series of black ensembles that play with shapes and volumes. These looks pull out all the stops and show that drama is the point. A mini dress made from silvery black vinyl has a skater silhouette, and another is made from a winding train of folded ribbon. There are no half-measures here. A stunning piece is a mass of pronounced ruffles on one side of the body, black and sequin with flashes of silver. To close the show were two looks in neon and Kelly green plaid. The sweeping overcoats add yet another dimension to this parade of exciting fashion. Satomi El Beso is a fearless, fun label that challenges us to embrace fantasies.

ALL RUNWAY PHOTOS BY ARUN NEVADER

IN CONCLUSION

VFW exposes its audience to many different cultures. Satomi Takakura brought her collection from Tokyo, Japan, showing the subcultures of anime and idols. While Takakura is a costume designer, she seamlessly bridged the ground from costume to fashion designer. The garments that came down the catwalk were wearable, daring, and fun. Satomi El Beso is a joyful brand. In an industry that often takes itself too seriously, a look into this amusing and entertaining fantasy underground was enjoyable.

Myself and designer Satomi Takakura

CIAO FOR NOW J. ANDREW

Read my article in the Georgia Straight