Foulards blowing in the wind

The eminent Japanese designer Tokujin Yoshioka perceives scarves and foulards as playful masks that hide certain aspects of an individual as much as they express them. While those who wear the scarves can hide behind them, the daily “movements”, as he refers to them, of that person is revealed as they breathe life into the scarves.

That is Yoshioka’s interesting insight and inspiration for the latest artistic window-display he has designed for Maison Hermés in Tokyo.

The installation is based on a window display he had created in 2004, although this new set-up involves a special guest appearance by a famed Japanese actress.

It is a simple idea with a straightforward execution, put to good effect. On the surface not much actually happens but there is an ethereal quality to the display as it plays out. On either side of the store’s entrance is a separate installation.

To the left a delicate scarf, hanging in midair, obscures the face of a black and white video of a woman. As she slowly exhales, the scarf flutters.

On the other side of the door a similar scene plays out. This time the woman is in profile and is not obscured by the scarf. Again she exhales and the scarf flutters in midair, seemingly ready to fly away. There is a very simplistic beauty about it all.

The centerpiece to the whole installation is the Hermés scarf. With colorful and intricate shapes and images composing a scene on them, Yoshioka cleverly points out that it is the individual who breathes life into these lifeless products.

With this simple idea Tokujin Yoshioka has managed to combine aspects of individuality, beauty, and product together. For the window-shopping enthusiasts and more, this display will be up at the Maison Hermés Tokyo until January 19th, 2010.

____________
by Henry Guyer
Gloobbi Fashion

Bookmark Gloobbi
Share/Save