Review of Junya Watanabe Man Fall 2023 Men’s Fashion Show
Upscaled Normcore
By Obi Anyanwu
Friday morning, Junya Watanabe presented their Fall/Winter 2023 collection set to a calming piano medley to slow down the hectic week.
Glossy, quilted liners and sleek, shiny details feel both Normcore present and dystopic future.
The show opened with a few classic suits and outerwear with patchwork and mixed media overlays but quickly turned active and sporty with outdoorsy ensembles fit for a trail hike rather than the sidewalk. One blazer featured multiple pockets resembling a modern fisherman vest, which led to similar military, outdoor sports and cold weather fashion.
The collection was to be expected—if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it—but the designer stripped away color for an all black assortment with a slightly futuristic bend. Glossy, quilted liners and sleek, shiny details feel both Normcore present and dystopic future.
Halfway through the collection, the eyes picked up logos and details from other brands, namely Alpha Industries, Champion, Carhartt, Palace and Levi’s. The designer tapped over 10 brands and artists to lend their signature styles and designs to be reinterpreted by the brand.
In addition to the aforementioned five brands, New Balance, Oakley and Timberland teamed on original shoes, The North Face on a down vest, Haglöfs on a down coat, Mystery Ranch and Karrimor on jackets, Innerraum for outerwear and bags and artist Simek on outerwear and t-shirts bearing original artwork for Junya Watanabe Man. Also, Brooks Brothers, Bates, Nanga and Stepney Workers Club made an appearance in original, customized or revived styles.
The designer tapped over 10 brands and artists to lend their signature styles and designs to be reinterpreted by the brand.