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JUNYA WATANABE


Ok, so when you think that 1996 was literally more than twenty five years ago but that I can still remember this song as clear as when I learned the lyrics way back then, you'd have to admit that time is tricky and it works as it sees fit. Twenty years is a blink sometimes. I remember going to house parties where they were playing this song and how everybody would just jump to it when it started. The lyrics belie the playfulness of the dancers here but they totally nail Jay Key's dance moves and style in the original music video. Jamiroquai was a mood.



Apart from the memories this song brings, I think this was the collection I needed this week. I guess I needed a pick me up and this came right on time. Comme Des Garçons can sometimes appear as impenetrable to the man on the street, but this Junya Watanabe (Rei Kawakubo's protegé) collab with Jay Key of Jamiroquai is totally accessible and almost... playful, kinetic? Also totally wearable. I love the hoodies, so reminiscent of the ones Southern California surfers wear in the cool evenings with nothing but board trunks on and their big toes digging in the warm sand (and a tan that showcased their milky white buns and thighs and their treasure trail). Oh, did I tell you I lived in California for almost a year many moons ago? Long story. Wrong man. One day I'll tell you more about that time of my life.

This collection seems to me like a rare time capsule, some future nostalgia that nevertheless works perfectly well and it's timely and of the time at the same time. And I've realized I want all those long coats they wear and most of the pants and those kicks! I am right now into brightly colored sky high Vans, so this is perf. The collection also pays direct homage to upcycling, to indigenous peoples and their use of fabrics, textures, textiles and colors, and to the notion that everything that was fashion will be fashion again. It's been a minute since the start of the aughts, but their vibe is undeniable in this collection. I also want most of the hats (to go have a cocktail with Pan Demic) and while we're at it, could I have that guy that closes the show? Or is that too much to ask?

XOXO


P.S. here's the original video with Jay working miracles in that soundstage. You can see his influence all over the collection. Yep, at the end of the day, twenty years is nothing.



Comments

  1. Ok this was a fun little runway. The line is fabulous and you could totally rock the furry wide brimmed hats.

    I wasn’t familiar with the song of course, but they did a wonderful job recreating the feel of the video (sans creepy crawlers, thank you very much).

    And yes, the guy at the close is well worth spending some time with.

    XOXO 👨🏼‍❤️‍💋‍👨🏾

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Wasn't it?
      I think it was innovative and fun. LOL I loved the giant newsboy caps and that black hat!
      And they did recreate the feel of the video very well. Awesome homage and genius way to have people make the connection.
      And I'd thought you'd approve of him...

      XOXO

      Delete
  2. I remember that song. Although not a real fan, I do remember many people loving that song. I also remember not being able to say his name correctly. That's the year I graduated with my undergrad biology degree! The song does make me think of Woodburn Circle and the Mountain Lair.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Oh, it was a bop!
      As late as 2000 I was still listening to it. And I CANNOT believe you're a Mountaineer too? Did we both go to WVU? I still get their magazine and have friends who live in Morgantown.

      XOXO

      Delete
    2. Yes I went to WVU and I graduated in 96. Loved it, still love it. Still have my WVU sweatshirt with the plaid WVU stitched letters on the front. It's a little worn, but I wear it a lot.

      Delete
    3. OMG I got to Morgantown in 98!
      I loved my time there. Some sweet memories. I think my WVU t-shirt is no more but I keep two ID holders and some pencils from when I was a TA.

      XOXO

      Delete
  3. That's a little spot of joy first thing in the AM!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. OM yes!
      It's such a happy, bright collection!

      XOXO

      Delete
  4. Replies
    1. Wasn't it?
      It has kind of that stoner laissez -faire to it...

      XOXO

      Delete
  5. I prefer the original. Most people have any idea how difficult is to even walk on a floor that's moving, let alone dance. Moving floors are constantly changing your sense of balance.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I would agree if this were not a fashion show showing a collab with the singer, but it's not a video remake, dear. It' fashion.
      But yes this award-winning video was groundbreaking when it came out, and its mostly analog trickery (wheels on the floor and furniture, a camera nailed to the wall and Jay's moves) was a comment on the song's title.

      XOXO

      Delete
  6. Man I used to love Jamiroquai! They had one song in particular I loved that many house dj's got a hold of and remixed it....and it was awesome!!! Can't recall the name of it. Oh.... Feels Just Like it Should!!!!!! That song would pack the floor of the Palladium.

    Now I can get behind this collection and love the homage to varies things issues, but I could never wear many pieces of this collection with me being shorter and small. I'd look like a drowned rat. But loved how the models showed the clothes.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. OMG same!
      And I think the song you're talking about could be Cosmic Girl? Another bop. Jamiroquai was HUGE in Europe and they broke here with Virtual Insanity and Cosmic Girl.

      And I loved the clothes. As always, one takes what one can use, right? The runway was super innovative. I've seen shows where the models dance, but the branding was impeccable here.

      XOXO

      Delete
  7. Wild, but wonderful. without bugs, thankyouverymuch. But the creativeness behind showing the line is what originally draws the eye. It pops because it's fun and upbeat. XOXO

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hahaha
      It seems you and Huntley were not into the creepy crawlers, huh?
      And I thought the same thing about the presentation: an homage without betting too close. It totally did what it needed to do.

      XOXO

      Delete
  8. Oh, take me back to my days running the mock shop for Target Corp. MAN. I played this tune so much. I thought it so sophisticated. And joyous. Yes, the lyrics are a bit of a downer, but the choon soars, babycakes. I was mad for this group. The other song this brings to mind is... a one hit wonder. He had the song of the year, but had no interest in following it up. You know what... now I have to go find that CD. It was a heady time. Thanks for the memory. Kizzes.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. OMG same!
      This song was inescapable. The video won video of the year on MTV and it became a video game. When it came out, people have not seen presentations like this and Jay's Stevie Wonder voice and quirkiness were just perf.
      And go find that CD! Future nostalgia is in.

      XOXO

      Delete
  9. I used to love Jamiroquai. I wish they were still around putting out new music. The clothes- they are so not me, but very cool.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Same!
      I love Jay's voice. Traveling Without Moving was top ten in the UK and it cracked the top 100 here. Their last album came in '17 or '18 and I have not heard anything from them ever since. Well, until now.
      And I love the clothes!

      XOXO

      Delete

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