SHINYAKOZUKA, known for their visually striking runway shows, once again captivated audiences with their 10th anniversary collection. Presented at the National Stadium’s athlete slope, the show’s theme, “picturesque or die,” was inspired by a remastered version of designer Shinya Kozuka’s childhood picture book, “いろをわすれたまち” (The Town That Forgot Color).
The collection unfolded like a story, mirroring the tale of a man who rediscovers color after encountering a blue painting in a colorless world. The show’s opening was dominated by monochrome looks, punctuated by a model carrying a blue painting. As the story progressed, a burst of color arrived with a vibrant blue model carrying a bag reminiscent of a colorful world’s invitation. The moment Mr. Children’s song, “1999年、夏、沖縄” (1999 Summer, Okinawa) began, the show blossomed with an array of hues.
The collection itself was a tapestry of textures and styles. Signature blues dominated in the form of sets, shirts, knits, and shorts, reflecting Kozuka’s personal connection to the color. A sense of fantasy infused the collection with crocheted knitwear, tops adorned with illustrations from the picture book, paint-splattered hoodies and wide pants, and multi-colored tweed jackets and jumpsuits. Notably, the show featured a new collaboration with Tsuchiya Kaban for their statement bags, while partnerships with KIJIMA TAKAYUKI and Dickies continued.
After the show, Kozuka shared his reflections on the collection, emphasizing that it wasn’t simply a culmination of his work but rather a launchpad for the next 20 years. He described the collection as a distillation of his experiences and expertise. As the evening ended, a dazzling firework display illuminated the night sky, symbolizing the brand’s exciting new chapter.