Julius AW15 Paris Men's Fashion Week

Julius is Japanese and led by Tatsuro Horikawa. It's often difficult to come about how designers put their ideas together, especially when Julius is based upon abstract, avant-garde and minimalism. In a previous interview, with Deux Hommes, Tatsuro explains that abstract inspiration comes first, then drawings. The main 'power push' behind Julius is actually not in the clothing; the inspiration comes in the form of art (Julius began originally as a collaborative art project to promote audio/video performances). The brand then evolved to become a fashion concept, merging together art and fashion. By using black, Tatsuro wishes to main Julius as a lifestyle concept rather than just a garments brand. Noting that Julius is not the only Japanese avant-garden on the men's fashion week calendar (think Junya Watanabe, Comme des Garçons, Issey Miyake).

I remember walking past the Julius store in Hong Kong in Central, hearing a woman utter 'who would actually wear anything from that store?' I don't blame her - only because it's true to say not everyone can understand fashion. Let alone an avant-garde concept like Julius. Some people simply work differently at another experimental and innovative pitch.  But to the fashion conscious eye, Julius clothing is recognised to be surprisingly wearable because of its progressiveness. There are connections between the pieces that make it easier to match and put together. 

When reading up on Tatsuro's biography on his inspiration, I found 'Art, Architecture, Music, Ambient Sound / Noise, Travel, Emotional Communication' on the list; and even though the AW15 show was in Janurary, I still cannot forget the soundtrack at the show. Not really a soundtrack, but rather just pure, raw noise (creaks and squeaks). And the very fact that I have a clear ability to  remember this goes a long way; because it shows that it's memorable and powerful - and this is only one of the many inspirations Tatsuro acquires for his collections.

To be continued... #tbc