FASHIONDESIGNERS

Junya Watanabe

Best known for his approach of drapery and fabric manipulation, Junya Watanabe has a unique essence as a designer where his abilities towards reshaping fabric appear endless. From launching his own label in 1994, Watanabe has been associated with various signature looks. Denim, drapery, deconstruction, “Techno Couture” and juxtaposition are some of the continuous participants in his Avant Garde collections, where he will transform and create innovative and original garments with the use of these techniques. For instance not many designers would think of constructing a delicately cut tracksuit or a tweed down suit. Also his ability to deconstruct a historic evening gown into what looks like a PVC sleeping bag - Fall 2009 - is startling. Global franchise, Levi Strauss and Co has had an ongoing collaboration with Watanabe. This has aided Watanabe’s career as Levi’s could most probably be, the most well known company in fashion. “Techno Couture”, Watanabe’s Fall 2000 collection, was surprisingly overlooked by the press and has been a shadow against his more recent work. Watanabe has evolved a vast amount since 2000, and has moved away from your everyday designer to becoming one of the most recognisable Avant Garde designers of today.