Emerging designer Koji Kamiya presents ‘Messenger,’ a collection inspired by vintage culture and 90s menswear, at a unique Go-Kart track venue in Tokyo.
Koji Kamiya, an emerging menswear designer and protégé of Mihara Yasuhiro, showcased his latest collection at a Go-Kart track in Tokyo Bay. The runway was creatively arranged with blue and white barriers that wound around the space, serving as seats for the audience. Kamiya’s design aesthetic draws heavily from ’90s menswear and Americana, displaying a grungy yet accessible style that aligns with the identity established by his mentor.
For this particular collection, Kamiya employed unique fabrication techniques to create pieces that appeared intentionally worn and distressed, reminiscent of items found in a curated vintage shop. Attendees observed a diverse array of garments, including faded Oxford shirts, distressed cardigans evocative of Kurt Cobain, striped mohair sweaters, fleece board shorts, and notably oversized traditional suits paired with striped neckties. One standout piece was a nylon MA-1 bomber jacket embellished with fringing across the chest, merging military and cowboy influences.
The show concluded with an engaging finale as models emerged from a cloud of smoke, riding BMX and lowrider bicycles down the runway, exuding an edgy, rebellious aura. This visual spectacle was described by Kamiya as a nod to nostalgic forms of communication. “Nowadays everything is electronic, so I thought that a messenger who receives info from people and passes it onto others by riding around on a bicycle is a wonderful image,” he shared with Vogue after the show.
Entitled “Messenger,” the collection featured prints of the title on the back of faded souvenir jackets, adorned with a cartoon roadrunner donning a helmet. This selection of garments encapsulates Kamiya’s deep appreciation for vintage culture, which is evident not only in the clothing itself but also in the sentiments they evoke. The soundtrack for the event included the grungy 1992 track “Leave Them All Behind” by the band Ride, transitioning into a softer classical piece at the show’s conclusion, creating a cinematic atmosphere as the BMX riders appeared to ride into the sunset. Kamiya described his vision, stating, “I wanted it to be like the end credits of a movie… by making it feel kind of sad I wanted to evoke some rebellious memories of the past.”
Kamiya’s show, replete with thoughtful references and a distinctive aesthetic, provided attendees with a unique blend of nostalgia and contemporary style that resonated well beyond the runway.
Source: Noah Wire Services
