Pixel Elation

I first became aware of Japanese fashion brand Anrealage after taking a shine to some wonderfully patterned men's coats clothing on Zozo.jp last Fall. While I didn't purchase them, it put Anrealage on my radar. Anxious to see more of their work this Fall, I came upon this article by Tokyo Telephone on Anrealage's Women's FW 2011/2012, a veritable explosion of pixelated prints that take low rez computer imagery to high fashion. The Japanese have always been more adventurous with mixing their colors and patterns, and this particular women's collection almost looks like it belongs more in Art Basel than at Tokyo fashion week.

If you go through this blog you'll notice I've had a penchant for color and pattern over the last several years, and with pixel patterns in particular. Working as a graphics pro on the computer as I do I'm well aware of the effects of zooming into an image to manipulate the pixels just so, which makes the disconnect with these jaggy prints and outfits even more relevant. The Anrealage AW2011-12 collection is entitled "Low," which I assume refers to low-resolution. But designer Kunihiko Morinaga gets high marks for the very thorough execution of the theme. Beyond the initial wow factor of the 8 bit conceit, what's really special about this collection to me is how Kunihiko has recreated all the major Japanese fashion trends, but in pixelated 8 bit form. Floral, camouflage, polka dot, leopard prints and even cable knit patterns get the pixel treatment. But it's obvious that Morinaga has a special eye for menswear, as items like duffel coats, baseball jackets and even the bleaching pattern on jeans and denim suits (all major mens streetwear themes this season in Japan) look like they've been resized from images with resolutions too low for real life.

Speaking of real life, I'm not one to shy away from a radical look or three in my everyday wardrobe, but how wearable these items are remains to be seen. However, as far as collections go, the visual impact is undeniable.

Images via Tokyo Telephone, designboom and Tokyo Fashion Diaries, which has some amazing closeup and showroom shots on her blog. For more on Anrealage, a quick googling will drum up tons of linkage, but their rather difficult-to-navigate website can be seen here.