The air buzzed with anticipation as Tao’s Spring/Summer 2024 collection unfolded in a captivating mini-show held within the headquarters of Comme des Garçons. Pink lighting bathed the space, casting a soft glow upon the square white platform surrounded by pipe chairs. The first look emerged, a burst of playful femininity: a pink frilled shirt paired with a skirt adorned with a striking portrait. A sheer black trench coat added a touch of mystery, draped over the model.
A recurring theme throughout the collection was the integration of captivating artwork. The majority of the models sported dark moodiness with black feathered headpieces and intense eye makeup, juxtaposed against the bold prints of Tove Jansson’s paintings. These artistic expressions ranged from still lifes to landscapes, each piece adding a unique layer of depth to the designs.
The collection’s footwear choice reflected the ongoing collaboration with Patrick for Spring/Summer 2024. Sneakers adorned with delicate flower embroidery graced the models’ feet, adding a touch of whimsical charm to the ensembles.
Following the show, designer Tao Kurihara shed light on the artistic inspiration behind the collection: the prolific Finnish artist, Tove Jansson, known for her creation of the beloved Moomins. “I was familiar with Tove Jansson’s work,” shared Kurihara, “but I felt a desire to delve deeper into her life and explore her creative journey. I discovered that from a young age, she dedicated herself to crafting, her passion for creation a constant throughout her life. Her relentless drive and artistic spirit left a profound impact on me. I envisioned bringing her powerful and captivating paintings to life through fabric, creating a new sense of energy and emotion within the collection.”
Tove Jansson, a multi-talented artist, embarked on her career as an illustrator at the tender age of 14. She later blossomed into a painter in her twenties, her artistic talents spanning various mediums including children’s literature, comics, picture books, songwriting, stage design, commercial design, filmmaking, and novel writing. This vibrant collection drew upon a selection of Jansson’s vast body of work, featuring portraits and captivating scenes from her life and surroundings.
“Tove Jansson created numerous self-portraits,” Kurihara continued, “but her depiction of herself smoking was particularly captivating. It turns out she was a heavy smoker!”
The collection embraced Jansson’s color palette with meticulous attention to detail, striving for a faithful reproduction of her artistic vision. The designs incorporated a multitude of rectangular patterns, maximizing the impact of her artwork and employing heat-cutting techniques to ensure a precise and sophisticated finish.
While not showcased on the runway, the collection also includes a selection of T-shirts and tote bags featuring the iconic “SNORK” character, the inspiration behind the beloved Moomins.
Tao’s signature style is evident throughout the collection: delicate silhouettes, romantic flourishes like frills and puff sleeves, and a fearless embrace of diverse cultural influences. This season, however, the collection takes a captivating turn, exploring the unexpected facets of a beloved artist. Kurihara’s heartfelt passion for Jansson’s work shines through in this inspiring collection, celebrating the timeless allure of creative expression and the power of artistic legacy.