Suzuki Takayuki exhibition

My beloved Takayuki had a gorgeous exhibition recently in which he worked with Suibokuga artist, Shukoku Tsuchiya, and stylist Shinichi Mita, in creating these garment installations. The trio have reportedly been combining their talents under the group name of TENKI for a few months now. The theme of this particular installation was 'layers' and the artists worked together to combine different elements - the voluminous effect of clothing, incorporated with 2-dimensional art - to create garments that challenge, blur and works toward eliminating the divide that exists between clothing and art. Aside from the philosophy behind it all, it's simply stunning from a visual standpoint. I love the different showcases and concepts within the exhibition and I very much look forward to seeing what they be creating together in the future.

Suzuki Takayuki S/S 10 pieces

Though the styling on his collections is always special and does a nice job of showcasing just how amazing his work looks layered upon itself, sometimes Takayuki's work is best admired in a solitary manner. He is a rare soul; it is few and far between when a designer comes along and has such an undeniable enchantment, dripping off of their every garment.

While I'm a huge fan of the element of protection within clothing, the vulnerability and delicate overtones in Takayuki's work are eternally endearing and comforting in their own right. The fabrics and techniques he employs are thoughtful on every level, yet emit such a dreamy ease. His pieces feel amazing on the skin and look gorgeous when layered... but the most special aspect is that even in their solitude, the garments tell their own eloquent story.

Suzuki Takayuki Spring 2010

If it wasn’t already wildly apparent that this man is pure genius, then hopefully after this collection, it will be. Looking at any one of his pieces always sends me into a string of amorous adjectives and this season is no different, in that regard. His work is so magnificent, aesthetically and beyond. Some brands just have a presence where you’re drawn in directly to the designer’s vision and in Takayuki’s case, that vision is one of utter enchantment.

I like the fact that there is a great counterbalance of structure this season, styled beautifully with the more ruffled and tiered pieces. The belted looks are really beyond fantastic and the silhouettes are insane. He uses primarily organic materials (he’s even got a separate line specializing in organic cotton) and I think the materials he so carefully chooses for his pieces really do them justice as far as providing the clothing with sort of animate qualities.

The cardigan I have by him is really something; though it looked beautiful online and I thought I knew what to expect, when I actually got it I was blown away by the amount of detailing and obvious thought and consideration that had gone into it. His pieces are incredibly detailed but have such an effortless feel overall, they’re a dream really. Anyway I’ll cut the worship short but as you may have guessed, I just adore this guy.

Suzuki Takayuki Fall 2009 pt. 2

I know I already made a post about Suzuki Takayuki’s fall collection, however these new pictures certainly warrant a second. I am absolutely in love with Takayuki, which is surely no secret by now but it’s pretty much impossible not to be. These clothes are about as beautiful as they come and each piece is as thoughtful as the next, all the while, each containing such enchanting details. From the garments down to the shoes and all the way to the brooches – everything is absolutely beautiful.

One of my favorite aspects about his clothes are how they’re a dream to wear either alone or layered. While worn on their own, they look so ethereal and dreamy but while layered, the ascending material of each airy garment veritably drips over the next, like layers of wax down the sides of a candle. His unique vision and how he executes it so romantically is so admirable and lucky for us all, he just keeps getting even better each season.

Suzuki Takayuki Fall 2009

Simply put, Takayuki is one of the fastest rising stars at JFW, as far as I am concerned. He has been showing there for a couple of years now with his namesake line, and his work just keeps getting better with each season. Of course, I am always a huge fan of people who choose to do things a bit off the beaten path, and Takayuki is the perfect example.

Not only is he notoriously eco-conscious when it comes to his fabrics (he also has a separate line for organic-only garments), but he is a mastermind when it comes to the actual construction and detailing, as well. I love the dark and quirky beauty that his work emanates, particularly coupled with the fact that the fabrics themselves are very airy and ethereal – the combination is truly magical.

While his work is filled with atypical aspects, it’s never weird for weird’s sake or for show. The garments each make sense, and I love how much time has (clearly) been invested into the thought process behind them. The multi-layered and tiered pieces are gorgeous, and the jackets look to be cut to perfection as well.

Above all, however, it is the presentation that is really thrilling. Not only is it original, he really reinforces the sort of decrepit beauty that his work embodies. The garments act as a veritable gossamer to the cobweb feel of the individual installments. On top of the placement and composition – the way the clothes are brought to life, in a way, due to how they’re strewn and bound – the effect is really precious.