“SIGHTLINE, Cutline, Align”. Ambiguous and allusive, Yauko Furuta allows her collection to navigate and tell stories independently; no explanation necessary. Togas may have been uniform and conforming, but Toga does everything but that.
Sunset colours, contrast lapels and textures upon textures, Toga shows us how mixed media is done properly. A blend of leathers, furs, and knits juxtaposed the reimagined wellington boot. Outerwear was a triumph; blazer and trench cocoon coat hybrids, exaggerated lapels and feather trimmings. The blue and white fur coat with a cape-like hood and green accents left us all envious – when will be look this warm and effortless?
Redefined femininity, Toga mixes the boyish silhouettes of box coats with fringed lace adornments atop a clean white shirt. Redefining the office-typical white shirt, Furuta subverts convention with twisted off shoulders, balloon sleeves and flawless layering.
Knits over sheer tops, whispers of feathers and lilac salopettes. The shoes squeaked as they passed, as though from another world, having just landed in the ocean.
Accessories were a plenty: double buckled oversized belts, crescent-moon brooches, embellished sleeves… if you’re lacking inspiration for how to elevate your outfit, Toga gives us everything you need for the seasons ahead. Their accessories reigned supreme, sometimes catching the eye more than the look itself.
Toga, born from the vintage shops of Nagoya and shaped by the sartorial techniques of Paris, effortlessly blends the uniqueness of Japan and Western subcultural tropes.
by Robyn Ngan