THE VIRIDI-ANNE | FALL / WINTER 2012

The Viridi-anne is renowned for a more mature and subtle sense of style than other Japanese designers. Designer Tomoaki Okaniwa, creates looks that speak of austerity and simplicity with the addition of a modern and strong silhouette. Each season Viridi-Anne creates a silhouette which builds towards a higher neck, more relaxed waist and a tighter, cropped ankle.

For Fall / Winter 2012 Okaniwa’s inspiration comes from the 1983 Andrei Tarovsky film, ‘Nostalghia’. The harsh and austere cuts matched with the warm and soft fabrics allude to the dreamlike atmosphere of the film.

With the main concept of a The Viridi-anne collection being the idea of the beauty and simplicity, Okaniwa has created a collection heavy in artisanal design. Using his roots within the Japanese ‘zen’ ideal of ‘wabi-sabi’, the collection manages to incorporate the beauty of unconventionality and imperfection, through cut and cloth creating a contemporary and cutting edge vision.

Whilst studying at the University of Fine Arts Tokyo, Tomoaki Okaniwa didn’t feel a connection with the typical Japanese fashion scene, instead finding inspiration from the foreign media, art and culture. These interests have ensured that a The Viridi-anne garment is something that can be worn every day.

- Charlotte Stamp