Japanese punk meets Parisian high fashion in a groundbreaking PFW show
Paris Fashion Week kicked off with bold energy at Plateau Urbain, its graffiti-covered walls setting the perfect stage for the KIDILL show. The atmosphere was almost nostalgic: walking up the stairs felt like wandering into a high school hangout, where groups of effortlessly cool kids lounged, smoking and dressed in the most daring, eye-catching looks. This wasn't your typical runway show. Gone were the orderly rows and exclusive front seats. Instead, it felt like an underground concert.
Traditional Japanese chants and drums filled the room, their beats reverberating through the space as the lights dimmed. Seppuku Pistols, known for their chaotic fervor, added to the atmosphere by playing traditional Japanese instruments such as taiko drums, bells, shamisen, and bamboo flutes.
Guests stood on benches to catch a better view as the models began their walk. Designer Hiroaki Sueyasu's vision transported everyone to late '90s and early 2000s Harajuku, Tokyo—an era of rebellion and creativity. Back then, youth rejected conformity, transforming ready-made clothing into bold, customized statements.
Harajuku's streets pulsed with raw energy, where fashion and music collided to create a cultural movement. Sueyasu's inspiration came from this scene and its iconic magazines like "TUNE" and "FRUiTS," which captured the essence of individuality. Sueyasu's collection was a love letter to this defiant period. Models strode confidently, showcasing oversized silhouettes, clashing prints, and layered textures. Accessories added playful defiance: towering platform boots, deconstructed headpieces, and patchwork bags.
Each look channeled the raw energy of Harajuku while feeling fresh and modern. The show didn't just celebrate nostalgia—it redefined it.
As the lights dimmed and the final drum beats faded, the crowd roared. Kidill's runway became more than a show—it became a declaration of self-expression, rewriting the rules of fashion for a new generation.
