“Sophistication”: Atsushi Nakashima Fall/Winter 24-25 Collection
Japanese designer Atsushi Nakashima has unveiled his Fall/Winter 2024-25 collection “Sophistication,” which “explores unusual materials and shapes.” The collection seamlessly showcases a fusion of classical influences with avant-garde design. An evolution in Nakashima’s artistry as well as his design narrative is marked here, whereupon he unequivocally defies the complexities of contemporary fashion while still being in keeping with his aesthetic roots.
The premise of the collection features nods to elements from past seasons collections, with a blend of clean lining and maximalism consistent in futuristic fashions. Nakashima remains committed to pushing the boundaries of conventionality as the collection flirts with the concepts and principles of surrealism. A color palette dominated by stark silvers, muted purples, and bright whites highlight the manipulation of fabrics and forms in the collection.
Atsushi Nakashima attended Nagoya Fashion College, graduating in 2001 and was awarded the 20th Onward Fashion Grand Prix, now called the Tokyo New Designer Fashion Grand Prix. Nakashima built upon this success and momentum upon becoming Jean Paul Gaultier’s assistant and was later appointed head designer of one of the brand’s second lines in 2009. Two years later, he returned to Tokyo and established his namesake brand.
“Sophistication” is very much a reaffirmation of Nakashima’s use of innovative textiles, which has profound impact on the interpretation by the naked eye. The pieces in the collection itself were crafted with stainless steel which was colored by a high temperature process and tailored to match the three dimensionality consistent with human autonomy. Vinyl, a degradable, transparent material, can be seen folded and layered perpetually which are arranged in such a manner to create shadows.
Metallic fabrics and holographic finishes is the distinctive, contemporary edge in this collection, by way of the reflecting light and movement. The fabric surfaces were stitched in geometrical patterns, which fosters the three-dimensionality and a trompe l’oeil effect on the fabric’s surface. Silhouettes and materials such as these formulate the elegant and ethereal visual appeal of the garments but also underscores the collection’s value as a whole.
Featured Image Courtesy of Maximilian Linz