Tokyo fashion week kicked off Monday, putting the pandemic aside to show off designers' 2021-2022 fall and winter collections from across approximately 50 brands.
Many other major international fashion shows around the world have transitioned to a fully virtual format amid the coronavirus health crisis, but Rakuten Fashion Week Tokyo will have 20 brands holding shows with spectators lining the catwalks until March 20.
"tac:tac," a casual wear brand created in 2013 by Japanese designer Takaaki Shimase, launched the six-day fashion fest with an online show.
Hidenori Kumakiri, famous for his work in the Paris Collection event held in the French capital, featured his designs for the "beautiful people" brand in a runway show held on Monday evening, while Jun Takahashi will show off his creations on the "Undercover" label on Friday.
"Making the audience and staff smile is what makes runway shows worthwhile," Kumakiri said. "You can experience what can't be conveyed digitally."
Fashion journalists and others will hold talks on the event's official YouTube channel.
The twice-yearly Tokyo event ranks alongside the Paris, Milan, London and New York fashion weeks for its influence in the fashion world.
The Japan Fashion Week Organization, the organizer, said it hopes to raise the status of Tokyo's festival by holding physical events even during the pandemic.
