December 1, 2016 6:30 AM
Shibaraku by Kenta Matsushige
The Japanese word Shibaraku literally means “not too early, not for too long”. And has inspired the capsule collection by the young designer
Kenta Matsushige is a young Japanese designer based in Paris who gathers ideally various stylistic influences. On one side the creative rigor learnt at the École de la Chambre Syndicale de la Couture Parisienne, on the other the delicate poetic of his homeland, part of his DNA, shows through all the designs.
At just 26 he has already gained experience at Christian Dior, Anne Valérie Hash and Givenchy, which helped him develop a clear and recognizable style. Generally in his collections the designer blends inspirations from nature (from the Japanese concept of Hinabi) with contemporary urban design (Miyabi). Now his inspirations include the Kabuki, the traditional Japanese theater from which he has borrowed the Shibaraku, a piece from the Kabuki repertoire that lends it name to the latest capsule collection. The word means literally “not too early, not for too long” and defines very well the space/time mood of the whole collection, perfectly balanced between Oriental and Asian style.
The well-balanced contrast of linen and cotton, the refined materials that compose the various looks, is skillfully blended with jersey to ‘lighten up’ the shirt’s fit, compose the rectangle sleeves of the outerwear, sculpt the ample proportions of the pants and the flared, sharp shape of the skirts. Shibaraku is a collection of outfits in soft, light tones that envelope the female figure, unveiling refined details in the construction of the pieces and the finishes. The 26-year old designer has already under his belt a Grand Prize of the Hyères Fashion and Photography Festival in 2014, and was a finalist at ANDAM in 2016.
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by Federico Poletti
