The show notes for House_Commune’s first-ever runway presentation said that designer Mihoko Shitanaka wanted to express new ways of “modern survival” through her collection. In this case “survival” might not be the most appropriate word, but the clothes were certainly modern, with a lovely combination of elegance and urban edge.
Shitanaka chose her show venue well. The concrete floor and architecturally striking sloped glass ceiling of the rooftop at Tokyo’s Andaz Hotel formed the perfect backdrop and subtle contrast to a collection of fluid dresses and draped tops. Even the weather seemed to cooperate, with the gray sky and chilly air making the luxe textiles seem more appealing.
The designer turned out wide-legged pants, puff-sleeved shirts and ankle-length skirts in neutral tones of navy, gray, camel and ivory. The silhouettes were easy and comfortable, never sloppy, for a look that was graceful yet effortless. Wide leather obi belts gave shape to a gray pantsuit, an oatmeal-colored sweater dress and a puffy nylon coat. A chunky red sweater and a burgundy faux fur coat added just the right amount of contrast in both color and texture, but a pair of salmon-pink satin pants and a matching shirt felt out of place.
Standouts included a trench coat
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