TOGA

 

FETISH: FAUX FUR, KNIT AND TULLE

 

WHY THEY WANT THIS: Toga’s show at the Brewer Street Carpark was all about the statement pieces. Flares, tulle skirts, big, over-imposing coats, feathers, fur bags and sequins that provided brief moments of shock when the light caught on them hit your eyes. Designer Yasuko Furuta explains that she is designing for ‘a complex woman who can only live in chaos.’ The fragmented nature of Furuta’s designs and the looks that made their way down the runway, exemplified this perfectly and succinctly. There was no structure to the ensembles, yet, the woman who Furuta is trying to dress made her presence felt through the choice of looks that were presented.

 

 

WHAT IT DOES TO THEM: Furuta’s designs display a sense of play and unpredictability. The aspect that highlighted this the most were the huge pockets of blocked, fur, mittens that were on either hand of the models. Unclear as to what they were and what purpose they ultimately served, the inability to place TOGA’s collection is what entirely sealed its allure. ‘Keychains with charms on double belts, marking the waistline. Romantic dresses with georgette and tulle that cling to the legs.’ As explained in their press release, the person that wears TOGA is waltzing with the material of the clothes, slowly but surely, morphing into one with them as they fall deeper into the identity of a chaotic, inspired wearer.

 

WHAT’S THE CLIMAX?: TOGA focuses on the ‘orchestra’ of the look, instead of a star element of an ensemble. Similar to building blocks of any ensemble, the brand is constructed by the accessories that accompany the tulle skirts and the metallic tops – almost cementing the entire look with just a brief moment in the right position. The best way to contextualise it would be to think of it as furniture occupying crevices in an otherwise empty house – this isn’t to say that Furuta’s designs don’t stand strong on their own; but perhaps