The 12th annual Japan Fashion Week, which was meant to take place in Tokyo next week, has been canceled. This is understandable in lieu of the recent eastern Earthquake disaster, which left thousands dead and a country in ruins.
A press release from the event organizers pinpoints “current electricity shortages, unreliable transportation, and general safety concerns” as reasons for its cancellation. Attempts are being made to hold exhibitions of garments in place of runway shows, which will also be broadcast online.
Fashionising Editor-in-chief, Daniel Dykes, predicts that Japanese designers will use fashion to respond to the disaster, much like Americans reinterpreted the military theme after 9/11. “Fashion is an expressive art form and you can lay money on the fact that the artists behind Japanese fashion will be influenced by the tragedy,” he said.
Following Uniqlo’s $25.6 million donation, other names in fashion have rallied for relief: Paris boutique Colette asked designers/artists to think of something that could be sold to raise money and Lady Gaga has made $250,000 by selling ‘pray for Japan’ wristbands on her website.
Words By Ingrid Kesa
