Oslo Nights

Okinawa Collection FW/12

A small island called Okinawa, on the south of Japan, is a symbol of many things for the Japanese. It’s role as an American military base during the Second World War has created severea myths about the island. One of them claim that people coming from Okinawa usually are considered prettier and more handsome than the rest of Japan. Why is this?

It seems like the Americans did’nt just drop bombs and fight battles in Japan during the war, but other things as well. After the war, there were loads of Japanese women giving birth to brighter coloured babies with almond coloured eyes and light brown hair. The babies later also grew taller than they used to. A new breed was born. Today the people of Okinawa have the largest density of models and actors in Japan. Although it started with war, which is a terrible thing, I think it’s a really interesting occurrence and a symbol of how the people of the world merge together with time.

My collection celebrates these happenings. Not only the blend of ethnic features, but also the mingling between different cultures. We can all learn and make our lives more interesting by taking part of foreign cultures and show interest in the people surrounding us.

The garments I’ve created are for men that keep an open mind for these thoughts and who love to explore the world around them. Clothes aren’t just practical for them, but also a way of expressing a quality-based identity. They prefer longer lasting clothes made under reliable supervision and in an eco-friendly environment.

With these thoughts I dive into the photo shoot of my collection.
Taking fashion photographs isn’t the same as taking “regular” pictures. The photographer needs an extra interest in clothes and the anatomy of the body, to enhance a product and to express the right look for the client. It’s been amazing working with Ina Damli on this, as she is such a professional in every way, and I’m in total awe of her!

The most important aspects for me with this photo shoot are to clarify my concept and to capture my potential buyer’s attention in the best way possible.

It’s been a lot of back and forth with this part of my bachelor. In the beginning, as I wrote earlier, I wanted to have a shoot using only Asian models.

This was because I wanted to make the base of my inspiration clear. After a while I substituted this for an all-Norwegian model shoot. I work mainly towards the Norwegian market, and so I figured it’s better to use models expressing the look suitable for this clientele. Torhild (the Afghan dog), Mads Pålsrud, Fredrik de Lange, Marianne Theodorsen all did a fantastic job under the worst conditions (rain, wind and icy showers).

 

 

 

 

 

 

They are the perfect trio for the “Norwegian look”, tall, pale skinned, blue eyed and blonde. Annika Hi also did a really good job with the make-up and hair.

The reason I incorporated a girl in my shoot was to make girls reconsider the thought of wearing something else than typical feminine garments, as a way of trying to make my market even bigger. Marianne also represents an androgynous look that I really love.

The forthcoming week includes planning an artsy fashion film for my collection in collaboration with film-student Marcus Jungerstam.

Looking soo forward to it!!

Until next week, take care!

XX, J

Jone Nielsen is currently finishing a BA in Art and Design at Oslo University College with a major in Fashion and Textiles. Updating weekly until his graduating show in June, he will be sharing details of the design process, juicy tidbits on the challenges he faces along with his expectations for the finished result.