“Accomplished, but frustrated.” Ryuhei Nakabayashi, the representative of Waseda’s prestigious Sen-I Kenkyuai reflected upon the fashion show that was held last Sunday, the 13th of December.
Not many Waseda students are aware of Sen-I Kenkyuai, but it is a leading official Waseda Fashion circle that has been active since 1949. The previous members include Paris fashion week designer, Kunihiko Morinaga of ANREALAGE and Fashion photographer, Rei Shito. The 50 members of Sen-I kenkyukai had been working for almost a year preparing the Mienaimono to Mierumono exhibit and fashion show. What differentiates Sen-i kenkyukai, and other Fashion oriented circles is that Sen-I values philosophy behind fashion and style.
This year, there were two focuses when creating the presentations. One, was to unveil the physiological process of how designs are constructed – how are silhouettes, colours, details, materials and patterns selected? And what are the basics upon these? Whilst questioning the basic fundamentals upon clothes making, we began to realize the essential role of “sight” upon selecting various styles and looks. As humans, we “see” than subconsciously cancel out what we don’t prefer. Sen-I wanted to highlight this by posing multiple looks at once during the show, so the audience could select and cancel out their preferences to realize their favoritism.
The exhibit and show took place at Chiyoda 3331. The rooms were filled with strategically placed raining fabrics, octagonal stools and a photo wall that featured models wearing the best selected looks from our 85 pieces of garments. The art space was ideal to capture the simplicity of this year’s collection. At 16:30, the room was filled with guests. The subtle excitement and expectation was nerve rattling for the back stage. Models focused more than ever, fitters checking the order of outfits for the last time and junior year senpais hoping for the success of their last ever student body of work.
At 17:00, the lights were dimmed, the low drumming composed by renowned Tokyo music artist, Madegg bounced off the walls. The catwalk begun and soon, the room were filled with overwhelming number of models. Some standing on stools, some reflecting from mirrors. The music and the lights were strategically in sync, to highlight and create an illusion of what you can and can’t see- the unifying theme of this years project.
Fundamentally, the concept of “sight” and “selection” was captured through the artistic direction. The clothes with styles varying from simple to intricacy showcased the variety of clothes that can be made from differences in the section of the design process.
Needless to say, the day was unarguably successful, with over 250 tickets sold. But Ryuhei Nakabayashi, the 66th leader of Sen-I reflected, “Accomplished, but frustrated.” Accomplished, because of the privileged members and talented collaborators that were involved with this show. Frustrated, because he felt as though he didn’t fulfill the resources. “I want the kohais to take in the mistakes from this year, improve and use the resources to the fullest in accomplishing a better show next year.” It was his last year in Sen-I before becoming a senior of the School of Culture, Media and Society at Waseda.
Ryuhei has the typical modest Japanese attitude, denying his astonishing achievement. His passion, dedication and motivation essentially lead the creative direction of the show, and its success has left huge shoes to fill for the younger years to come.