Kamiya presented their Fall/Winter collection titled “Messengers,” which took
cue from the raw energy of 'Messengers Style', Philippe Bialobos' cult-classic
photobook that captures the unfiltered grit of bike couriers and their
outfits. The venue, City Circuit Tokyo Bay, only amplified the rebellious
vibe, a kart track setting the stage with Tokyo’s coolest fashionpeople as
guests. Having the privilege to witness the rehearsals and be backstage, we
were still blown away when the show kicked off with a bang; as mega-loud
grunge erupted from the speakers.
The 'Grunge Spirit' came alive through worn-out shirts, checkered blouses,
laid-back long sleeves, and dark cargo pants. Elements like ties paired with
crisp white shirts, mohair knits, bombers with fringes, distressed denim, wide
cargo trousers, and utility jackets, were finished off with wallet chains
swinging from belt loops, adding an extra dose of '90s nostalgia.
The strongest look was the leather pants paired with a baby blue blouse and a
slouchy tie casually draped over the top and the blouse half-tucked into the
leather pants, giving that 'worn-to-it' edge. Standout pieces also included
mohair knits with distressed details, coming in bold colors like aqua blue and
warm orange, as in 'cozy with attitude'. We also loved the bomberjacket with
fringes, a reimagined classic made fresh and original by the playful fringe
detailing, just like the brand.
It made perfect sense that for the finale, the models didn’t walk but they
rode on bikes. From lowriders to BMX and cruisers, weaving through blinding
lights and fog, riding their bicycles on the circuit outside next to the
runway. A powerful tribute to the very messengers who inspired the collection.
About the brand
Creative designer Koji Kamiya was born in Aichi Prefecture in 1995. After
graduating from high school, he started his fashion career in Osaka. Strongly
influenced by the fashion culture that mixes vintage/archival and current
items, he started his sales career in a vintage store. He later worked under
Yasuhiro Mihara and joined SOSU's street label MYne, forming his own
community. In 2018 he became a Creative director in 2018 and has been
developing his own roots projected onto streetwear with a sense of mode. In
2023, he changed the brand name to KAMIYA.
No comments