Hanako Maeda’s perennial exploration of Japanese culture led her this season to shodo, the art of calligraphy, for one of the most refined Adeam collections she’s introduced. Brushstrokes were used as a motif throughout the offering, and Maeda’s interpretation of an artist’s stream of consciousness while writing and only having one chance to create the desired result was both beautiful and moving.
During her studio presentation, a calligraphy artist painted on traditional washi paper as models rotated on the mini runway. The effect manifested most evidently as an embroidered brushstroke pattern on the sleeves of crisp white cotton shirts and lightweight twill parkas. A colorful calligraphy print seen on an asymmetrical dress brought in all the colors of the collection — red, ceramic blue, beige and black.
It was Maeda’s interpretation of the ideas associated with calligraphy, however, that were the true highlights. The fluid movement of the artist’s hand informed the draping, while the natural loops that occur in calligraphy could be seen in the knots. Styling took its cues from kuzushiji, another, more casual style of calligraphy with broken cursive that reflects a relaxed state of mind. Channeling composure and ease, many jackets had the off-the-shoulder appeal popular in recent seasons and a fluidity that transitioned from day to night.