Knit Wit: The Energy of Kansai Yamamoto

Kansai Yamamoto may be one of Japan's less talked about designers to rise to fame in the 70's & 80's, dressing the likes of David Bowie on his Aladdin Sane tour & The Blitz kids, but to us at Vnyc, the bold vision of his label still makes it one of the most collectible today. We adore his energetic, flamboyant knits, military references and bold use of saturated color, and every time we do come across a Kansai score, we are always floored by everything's contemporary appeal. Yamamoto's pieces were all so far ahead of their time & inventive that they not only seem highly inspirational but also totally relevant as they showcase his uncanny wit with western-inspired sportswear and to us, prove that he basically paved the way for contemporary sportswear. He mixed the era's vibrant street culture with his Japanese roots and came up with clothing that was not only functional, but also highly decorative. You can credit Yamamoto for bringing screen printing to the forefront of sportswear by screen printing knit wear, for using appliques, and military patches, pockets and accoutrements for the first time.

In a few weeks we will be debuting one of our favorite Kansai Yamamoto scores on the shop's site, its a fantastic rainbow and tribal print reversible sweater coat that'll cheer you up on even the grayest of days.

From top: 70's era editorial shot(unknown), David Bowie performing in Kansai circa 70's, and our own 80's Kansai Yamamoto Canary Sports Jacket-$338

To shop our Kansai Yamamoto click here.

Label Moment: Giuliano Fujiwara Menswear

Smart menswear can at times be about as rare and momentous as a smartly dressed man is and with one of our favorite mens labels Number (N)ine reportedly closing shop, the going could have gotten just a bit tougher. That was until we caught our latest obsession, Japanese design firm Giuliano Fujiwara. Like Raf Simons & Muiccia Prada, we love the label's fresh approach to tech/sporty gear that's modern, a bit witty and oh so smart.


Giuliano Fujiwara is available stateside in NYC at First Among Equals, to learn more please click here

Label Moment: Armand Basi

Another label we truly admire yet can't get our hands on stateside is ARMAND BASI, the Spanish line designed by Marcus Lupfer that always seems to channel the street with a very spare approach. The house's Fall 2009 show smartly delivered it's own voluminous take on the early 80's Japanese invasion with it's pleated dhoti and dropped crotch pants, oversized punk bombers in men's flannel and dark, moody knits. In terms of day dressing, Lupfer hit all of our urban warrior marks with his minimal approach and sober viewpoint. Forget about Topshop, forget about Alexander Wang, this show summed up how we want to look walking the streets next fall.
Visit: ArmandBasi

Label Moment: Paule Ka

One label we truly admire but just can't ever seem to get our hands on is French label Paule Ka, by Serge Cajfinger. Elusiveness withstanding, the label offers chic sportswear that stands on it's own urban warrior territory firmly. We admire the fact that it's trying to create goods that are innovative in design, with an avant-garde bent, somewhat like Prada, clothing you can't find anywhere, yet it's grounded, it's not kooky, or loud or gimmicky. Simply elegant, beautifully made and perfect for a sophisticated, restrained urbanite, this collection astounds us with slick ladylike pieces that don't sacrifice the cool factor over old-school luxury norms. And it's always tricked out with unique accessories from lucite bowlers to peaked shoulders and seven inch bubble platforms,  all with the perfect dash of  hardcore provocativeness. After all, not every city girl needs to be clad in body-con and layered in ripped tights to look cool, now she has the chance to look sophisticated in a fresh, modern way.



Visit PauleKa.com