Aski Kataski F/W 09.10 pieces

Another one of my favorite 'newer' designers, Katsuhiro Makino, also has the great ability to produce pieces that are a world of intrigue on all their own. I am never really a fan of his lookbook images - not because the styling isn't great and not that the pieces don't always look covetable - it's just that they leave the viewer with only a vague 'feel' for his overall style... and not a chance to really admire his pieces for what they really are.

The organic feel, plus the celestial overall designs, it's really special. I adore his color palette and his craftsmanship; his pieces feel honest and have such a slight of hand quality that I'm so attracted to. They are not over-the-top at all or shocking aesthetically, but the amount of magic that lies within the materials, detailing, proportions - it's enough to leave one in awe. I hope that the brand will start seeing a surge in retail interest soon, much like I do with Takayuki's.

Aski Kataski Fall 2009

For the fall Aski Kataski collection, designer Katsuhiro Makino did what he does best – a wonderful job of encompassing his signature elements which carry over from one season to the next and marrying it with a new theme. The harmony between the fantasy and utilitarian aspects is done with such grace and executed so well, it’s really a dream to look at.

Aside from how beautiful the clothes look, their function, which is arguably more important, is just as impressive. Not only well made but clothes that are really meant to be worn. And yes, while this should be the case for every designer, what makes Makino’s work that much more admirable is that he often uses textiles from 60+ years ago and miscellaneous antique materials to create his pieces. It is nice when people restore or reinvent things instead of always leaving the past to be just that, the past. I appreciate that this designer thrives on nostalgia but meanwhile makes the nostalgic materials all his own by creating something entirely new and beautiful.

Aski Kataski Spring 2009

How magical is this collection and presentation? I am just in love with it. Last season, I loved the collection as well; it’s always beautiful, though, due to the nature of the aesthetic in general. However, this season’s look book is particularly a delight because unlike last season, these ones are in color. I think the color palette of the clothing really needs to be seen to grasp the full concept. The colors are warm, inviting and so complimentary to the look of the clothes. As far as textures go, these pieces are a dream. Layered or on their own, each garment is rich enough in every aspect to be a stand-out piece on it’s own… yet you can endlessly layer the pieces of this collection and it wouldn’t look overdone. It’s just beautiful overall, there isn’t a bad word to say, really. Collections which are highly themed but not gimmicky aren’t easy to accomplish but I think Aski does it so well. There is such a whimsical overtone to the clothing and when that’s pulled off in a beautiful way, it is a great thing.

The styling is fairly minimal yet it does an effective job at showcasing the clothes. But I think because the garments individually possess so much life within them that that was really the best route. There is something to be said for the fabrics used and also the construction of them; it shows much thought, integrity and is so well edited – nothing is remotely lover the top. I love the way the denim is integrated into the otherwise very organic and earthy palette.

Aski Kataski Fall 2008

I forgot to post this a while back but it’s definitely too good to pass up entirely, so, better late than never. I can’t tell you how long I stared at these photos when I first saw them, and down the line when I ended up seeing photos of the individual pieces, I fell in love even more. It’s clear I am a sucker for unique mixing of textures within design and this is one of those collections which can visually sum up why. The depth within the looks here is pretty stunning, all the clothing, even individually, has it’s own personality due to the unique construction and the way they’re all styled is so lovely. I love the worn-out, distressed feel that much of the pieces have, while others add just the right amount of structure. Most of the garments here are extremely multidimensional, which is hard to tell from the layered styling in the photos above, but the clothing is really unique none the less.