Cherry Bomb: Yohji Yamamoto
Japanese designers are becoming more popular with the rock and roll set and Yohji Yamamoto is at the top of the list.
Gwen Stefani name-checked him in her ode to Japanese style in “Harajuku Girls”. Evanescence’s Amy Lee is a fan. And, so is Alanis Morissette. British rockers Placebo have worn the Y-3 sneakers he created with Adidas on tour. Even fellow designers sing his praises — Giorgio Armani has called his work “poetic”.
Considered one of the most influential and important designers today, Yamamoto (Yokohama, Japan, Oct. 3, 1943) is known for his rebellious designs that often veer extremely left of that season’s trends. His signature style is a loose, oversized clothes drenched in black from head to toe. Instead of celebrating the female form with figure-hugging designs, the avant-garde designer opts to conceal her in a cloak of mystery. He’s also great for larger ladies or women who just don’t want to show off all of their goodies.
“For me, a woman in Yohji is like a nymphomaniac nun. His clothes are at once sensual and very ritualistic”, French electronic musician Jean-Michel Jarre once said. “I want to achieve anti-fashion through fashion”, Yamamoto told Harpers Bazaar.
And, what makes this sometimes strange, but always fascinating designer really rock is that, well, he really rocks. He’s also played guitar in and fronted his own rock band.
Passage from Cherry Bomb: The Ultimate Guide to Becoming a Better Flirt, a Tougher Chick, and a Hotter Girlfriend, and to Living Life Like a Rock Star by Carrie Borzillo-Vrenna.
Check back soon for more from her book!
Tags: Carrie Borzillo-Vrenna, Cherry Bomb, Goth Fashion, leather, Yohji Yamamoto
