FACo (Fukuoka Asia Collection) 2011

Oct 24, 2011 17:51 没有评论

by Jamina Ovbude
March 20, 2011 Fukuoka Kokusai Center

This year’s Tokyo Fashion Week was cancelled due to safety concerns after the devastating earthquake and tsunami in Tohoku. Disappointed fashionistas, however, were still able to get their fix in Fukuoka at the Fukuoka Asia Collection (FACo) Spring/Summer 2011 runway presentation on Sunday, March 20.

This year’s FACo show was held at the Hakata-ku Kokusai Convention Center and drew over 7,300 guests. The stadium that also hosts the city’s annual sumo tournament was transformed into a fashion wonderland, surrounding patrons with high-energy sights and sounds. The ground floor was a moving sea of bodies with its 30-meter runway, seating for 980 patrons, standing room areas, and event sponsor vendors.

There were three entry price options: ¥7,000 for seated stadium floor, ¥4,500 for standing stadium floor and ¥3,500 for unreserved balcony seats. Because it was such a large-scale event, though, there wasn’t a bad seat in the house. A jumbotron projecting live footage of the runway and interim performances by Becky, Funky Monkey Babys and others made it easy to see everything that was going on. Meanwhile, local and international model talent lit up the runways, including repeat guest models Marie, Ebihara Yuri, Suzanne and Elle Rose. Blaring upbeat tunes blasted from the stadium speakers as models bopped and waved their way down the runway. Fans seated in the front rows waved back and held up signs that said “I love you”—a clear departure from typical fashion events where members of the industry’s upper echelons sit stone-faced behind sunshades.

Special guest Ikko also did an impromptu performance in a gold sequined mini skirt and her trademark cropped blonde coif. She electrified the audience as she tossed gifts to her adoring (and screaming) fans.

Beyond the models and special guests, the clothing from over 40 designers kept the crowd occupied for the event’s five-hour duration. Designers included: JILL STUART, UR Urban Research, Red Pepper, and Ed Hardy by Christian Audigier. Garments were casual and contemporary with many brands highlighting bohemian-chic as the stand out trend for the spring/summer season. Feminine and playful silhouettes of frilly tops, maxi and mini skirts and flirty dresses added to the warm season feel.

Also contributing to the springtime essence were the festival-like sponsor booths and shops stationed around the arena. A FACo-commissioned store selling clothing by the show’s designers was among the vendors. Guests could buy current and past season pieces but were directed to the “Model Street” online store, hosted by Rakuten (http://www.rakuten.ne.jp/gold/faco/), if interested in a fresh runway item. Patrons could also take home TIGER brand thermoses (model Marie was on hand to autograph a few) and try the new-to-Fukuoka Coca-Cola brand, Vitamin Water.

The event concluded with a final model walk, exploding confetti cannons and more squeals from the audience. Girls and guys beamed as they left the stadium clutching their oversized pink and white FACo bags. Though the event was a far cry from the intimate luxury brand shows of New York, Paris and elsewhere, FACo managed to create an exciting presentation of serious Japanese daywear that was just right for the 15-20 somethings who attended.

This was the third FACo presentation since its launch in March 2010. The city of Fukuoka heavily endorses this event to stimulate the local fashion industry. With the recent opening of Hakata City, and future fashion commerce development plans, Fukuoka city is well on its way to becoming a highly visible fashion hub.

Stay tuned to Fukuoka Now in print and online for information about the next FACo event in late September.

Photos by Nobu Tanaka

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