NYLON - May 2008 - (Page 58) À LA MODE “The Junko Shimada woman is sexy, sassy, and fun-loving,” declares Junko Shimada, describing the ideal wearer of her line. “She does what she wants when she wants. She is sure of herself and has incredible taste.” For the past 27 years, Shimada has been creating some of the most fanciful and provocative designs in the industry. And even though she might not be one of the better-known Japanese designers who have transplanted themselves to Paris––others include Yohji Yamamoto, Rei Kawakubo, and Junya Watanabe––Shimada was one of the first to do so. She first came to the City of Lights in the late ’60s just for a visit, but quickly fell in love and decided to stay. Seduced by Paris’s sense of freedom, rich culture, and artistic atmosphere, Shimada knew that this was the environment in which to begin her career. She began working for the Mafia Design Agency and shortly thereafter became chief designer of children’s wear and then menswear at Cacharel. In 1981 she created her own design studio, conjuring up some unusual yet breathtaking pieces. Since her very first collection, Shimada has been seen as an innovator for the way she plays up the simple artistry of Japanese design––which she studied at the Sujino Gajen Dressmaker Institute of Tokyo––and mixes it with Parisian flair. “Anecdotal ’40s glamour was my vision for the spring collection and the movie The Big Sleep by Howard Hawks inspired me,” says Shimada. “I wanted to display JUNKO SHIMADA HAS ALWAYS SERVED UP HER INVENTIVE DESIGNS WITH A SWEET AND WHIMSICAL TWIST, AND THIS SEASON IS NO EXCEPTION. BY RAJNI LUCIENNE JACQUES. PHOTOGRAPHED BY CAMERON KRONE feisty, feminine beauty, but have it be soft and sensual too.” This season models paraded down the runway in silk dresses with carnations printed on the necklines, oversized knit sweaters with vibrant graphic zigzags, sheer tops with black piping, and skirts with origami inspired flaps, giving the illusion of full hips. The silhouettes are distinctive and energetic, but it’s not just the garments that stand out: The accessories are always a playful element in Shimada’s collections, and this time around the designer transformed a typical espadrille into a six-inch high contraption covered in colorful flowers. “Because the clothing and the accessories do not have a direct link, this creates a charming contrast,” she explains. “I feel freedom when I create shoes. They are vivacious and like eye candy. They are the cherry on the cake to my collection.” “The woman who wears my clothing is sure of herself,” says Shimada. “Uma Thurman, Lou Doillon, and Tania from the electro group Putafranges all wear Shimada.” While she acknowledges that there have been times when the house needed to be revitalized, Shimada is convinced that what she brings to fashion is something decidedly funky and fresh. After all, she makes clothing for the woman who doesn’t take herself too seriously. “I have fun and a good sense of humor,” explains Shimada. “By doing that, life will always seem like a piece of delicious cake.” stylist: stella greenspan. hair and makeup: dasilvamakeup.com using kiehls. model: vilita at ford. top by junko shimada. tights stylist’s own. shoes by junko shimada. http://dasilvamakeup.com http://dasilvamakeup.com
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