TAAKK FW23 Turns Abstract Paintings Into Clothes
Designer Takuya Morikawa felt galvanized by “the minute rise and fall of paint on canvas.”
For Fall/Winter 2023, Japanese menswear imprint TAAKK was largely inspired by abstract paintings. Led by designer Takuya Morikawa, who established the label in 2013, the collection’s vibrant persona garners interest, and its forward craftsmanship captures attention.
At the foundation of this season’s textiles, Morikawa explored the intentional direction in a painter’s process. Per the collection notes, the visionary reflected on “the minute rise and fall of paint on canvas” and “the humanity, the creator’s soul, the creator’s life itself that seems to collide into you…That moment of mutual understanding.” As a result, the range makes myriad expressions, with graphic depictions of layered paintings, contrasting textures from midway sketches and fabrics featuring altered jacquard angles.
Morikawa, known for his extensive material research and technical fabric treatments, was quite the innovator this season. A coat transitions from a classic wool check to a vivid blue eco-leather in a totally unique pairing, while a blazer transforms into a military jacket. Artful illustrations decorate ensembles of all kinds, while experimental knit tops — some skin-revealing and others embracing the shag — become protagonists. Textures are key in construction, offering pleasant contrasts when juxtaposed with one another; and patterns make the line come to life.
Overall, the collection is packed with playful punches, turning formalwear fun with experimental cuts and unexpected textile treatments. Calling back to Morikawa’s canvas inspirations, each look makes a statement under the collection’s fitting title: “PROCLAMATION.”
Take a look at TAAKK’s FW23 collection in the gallery above, and discover more Paris Fashion Week FW23 content on Hypebeast.
Elsewhere, KENZO FW23 fuses traditional Japanese constructions with American workwear and British attitudes.
