Um...techno-tribe?
So a new season rolls in, and you start hearing words constructed with hyphens bandied about. These mini trend nuggets are designed to be used very liberally for the next six months without much thought as to whether the item of clothing actually encapsulates that word or not, but it's always best to bung things into trend categories right? Examples being nu-rave, nu-grave, boho-tec and drum roll please, for SS08, comes techno-tribe. The Observer fashion supplement by Tank describes this 'as the most complex trend to emerge' combining multicultural pillage and 90's raving lunacy with prints and plumes clashing with dip dye and reflective surfaces.
The former part of this post was really an excuse to rant about trend nugget words but the latter part is far more positive and though people may attribute Toga's SS08 collection with the aforementioned phrase, I'd rather not think of it as a collection that is simply going with the trend flows but is mixing it up in a very unique way. Toga is a Japanese label that is little known outside Japan but has three stores in Japan. Yasuka Furato, the designer created 'Toga' in 1997 and no, she doesn't create draped Grecian dresses every season but rather an eclectic mix of textile research and play on volume.
The SS08 Trojan Horse collection references not just the Greek myth but also the definition of the term as a 'concealed strategem' or a 'destructive computer program'. So in other words, a collection with a lot of hidden messages, depth and if you REALLY MUST attribute it with a trend phrase, 'techno-tribe'. I love the way fabrics look like they have been selected in a ramshackle way but then pieced together with great symmetry. Kind of like an clever usage of fabric remnants.
Sadly Toga is a damn hard difficult label to find in Europe but thanks to Dover Street Market, the situation is not completely destitute. Apologies if this post went a bit rant-y....just stare at the image and hopefully, it will obliterate all traces of fash-bitch.
They're very odd, but I adore them! They look so detailed that you could throw one on in the morning and look like you put effort into looking good! Very easy to wear I think :)
Posted by: buttonsandstars | 30 December 2007 at 21:55
Angular and relaxed at the same time...I love the way the colours and textures play off against each other. The one on the botton right is particularly fanciable..
Posted by: Drusilla | 30 December 2007 at 22:30
Angular and relaxed at the same time...I love the way the colours and textures play off against each other. The one in the bottom row at centre is particularly fanciable..
Posted by: Drusilla | 30 December 2007 at 22:31
I'm not really that big fan of the techno -thing. I guess I find beauty far too interesting to be interested in something that edgy.
juliet xxx
Posted by: juliet | 31 December 2007 at 00:39
oh hell no.
Posted by: mahalie | 31 December 2007 at 00:46
I'm a fan of the assymetry and eccentricity of these outfits. I wish I had stopped by a Toga store while I was in Japan.
I don't usually go for trend-phrases, but I really like the term "techno-tribe." It is the perfect descriptive for the urban warrior or futuristic ethnic dresser. The combined terms definitely call to mind some interesting outfits, maybe Dries Van Noten?
Posted by: The Clothes Horse | 31 December 2007 at 02:34
wow, this collection is very expressive, but, the techno thing... i don't know, it doesn't relay that message to me at all. the collection captures trends of the moment, that's for sure!
Posted by: lady coveted | 31 December 2007 at 02:34
I recently e-mailed DSM to ask about the shirts Daphne Guinness designed "for them". Do you know if they are carrying them in the shop? (and possibly know the price?)
Posted by: jen b. | 31 December 2007 at 05:23
Oh great. I love the fact Toga SS08 goes so well with that other big trend-nugget that is crazy heels & socks combos, think Chloë/Miu Miu/Prada...
Posted by: Play | 31 December 2007 at 10:03
not really my cup of tea, but i like what is worn on the feet!
Posted by: clover | 31 December 2007 at 17:06
I like all the "mess" around the feet
Posted by: hadiza | 31 December 2007 at 17:43
Nu-grave? I really like the look of techno-tribe though.
Posted by: heather | 31 December 2007 at 18:50
Jen B: The Daphne Guinness shirts are very pricy for what they are...about £300 each.... they are still there I think (don't think they sold that well!)....
Posted by: susie_bubble | 04 January 2008 at 13:48