Mame Kurogouchi presents the fall winter 2023 collection in Paris. The show is titled “Bamboo Interactions”
Collection Notes
Mame Kurogouchi 2023 Autumn Winter collection continuously centers around the Japanese basket and the surrounding culture, which became popular in Japan at the beginning of the 20th century. Designer Maiko Kurogouchi searches into these beautifully intricate baskets and the social and rich cultural heritage they embody while stepping into the spiritual world of many artists who created them, understanding their pure strength and stripped-back beauty.
The works of Rokansai Iizuka (1890-1958) continue to fascinate Kurogouchi this season. The majestic tones used in Rokansai's work, the balance of shapes, and the elegance of lines that stretch and cross each other truly express this season's collection. The artist's spirituality, who seeks a return to the natural beauty of bamboo rather than the pursuit of technique, is reflected in the original fabrics, the various silhouettes, and the intricate techniques used to create the season’s clothing.
Elements
Kurogouchi captures the main image of the season from the intersection of the many lines peeping through the small gaps in the basket netting, the dances of shadows, and the lightness of the bamboo. The visual elements are then translated into graphics and expressed with the sliver-knitted voluminous woolen coats and vest.
The alpaca-wool knitwear, dyed using origami dyeing,' is playfully graphic and lends a light rhythm to the collection like the lines of a generous bamboo basket. The dresses are a delicate but strong embodiment of the basket structure, recreated by overlapping and intricately interlacing the Raschel Jersey stripes and torchon lace—the bold weaving pattern on the tops and skirts results from applying the pleating technique using patterned paper. The myriad lines on these pieces, like a shower of rain beating against the bamboo leaves, give a subtle depth to the fabric.
Fabrications
Maintaining the collection’s equilibrium with boldness is the reversible silk-cashmere coats, boleros, and intricately cut-out knitwear which embody the brand's signature curve that embraces the female body by beautiful fuses together the finest of materials with graceful cutting and superb pattern-making.
The color palette remains natural, from earthy tones of brown to khakis, with contrasting hues of black and navy.
Earrings and bangles are made from bamboo, adding a craft touch to the collection. Footwear continues this season with slim pumps and boots and collaboration with Hakimono Sekizuka. Light-soled zori made from leather and leather tabi socks modernizes traditional shoes.