JHB/GI

JHB/GI - James Hamilton Butler X Georgie Ichikawa

launch a capsule menswear line for Spring Summer 2012, fusing cultural Japanese iconography and contemporary design to offer a unique and intriguing assortment of graphic print summer essentials.

Research into western Otaku (Obsessive Geeks) and their social habits, formed the basis of this graphic driven capsule collection, with a focus on a t-shirt based line that is wearable but strikingly illustrative. Nightlife scenes in Akihabara led to a spectrum of colour palettes to use, drawing on contextual referencing from contemporary Otaku icons to provide inspiration for placement shapes. Japanese electro-pop music videos and dance routine choreography influence the beautifully intricate imagery of a fantasy world that forms the basis of this contemporary street style collection.

The ten piece Menswear collection consists of T’s, Jacket, Shorts and Trousers in a vibrant colour palette, encompassing a strong graphic identity.

The Menswear print story alludes to the aesthetic cityscapes of Akihabara, placement prints in strong iconography and shape, with a nod to the Harujuku area of Japan and of course, the cosplayers of the world in graphic and vibrant shades and shapes. This electric concept was carried through in the art direction, short films, stylings and make up designs, drawing on traditional Kabuki(japanese theatre) style markings, with a modern Tokyo twist. Contemporary Otaku culture contextual referencing is used visually to create ideas for shapes for placement, with focus on the highly detailed imagery that gives the wearer an identifiable look.

The menswear also is represented through visually communicative approaches in animation and short film, again paralleling and developing the Otaku influence, aesthetics and art direction approaches used.

We are proud to announce that JHB/GI Menswear graphic T-shirts will be stocked in Harrods from the very first season.

JHB/GI introduces a Womenswear Collection for Spring Summer 2012

JHB/GI - James Hamilton Butler X Georgie Ichikawa

launch a new collaborative Womenswear line for Spring Summer 2012, fusing cultural Japanese iconography, engineered pattern cutting and print designs, to offer unique and elegant wearable garments.

The collection offers feminine elegance through wearable shapes, offered in fine digitally printed silks, georgettes, leather and chiffon. Print concepts are developed in line with engineered pattern cutting to allow for a full range of aesthetics to be developed.

The twenty piece collection consists of various light summer tops, slinky dresses, soft trousers and double layered shorts, as well as two multifunctional coats, in a melancholic pastel summer palette. A wider approach to garment aesthetics within the print range was developed in conjunction with the styles, being used varyingly across the range. Enhancing the shapes and unusual seaming in some styles, as well as forming the fabric itself in others, not only enhances the engineering of the pattern cutting, but also is a method of creating a fabric itself to be draped on the body, such as rethinking traditional patterns such as a houndstooth. Seasonal print concepts inspired by Otaku Gyaru culture, are transformed and developed into subtle garment aesthetics, as well as the original drawings themselves, which in turn, inspired the garment pattern shape development. This brings the fusion of illustration / print / garment design full circle in a representation of the duo and their personalities, in creating flattering and wearable pieces for the consumer.

The Womenswear apparel is complimented with an eleven piece accessory range, with printed leather bags, scarves and belts as well as three detachable sequin collars for men, continuing the print concept development in a complimentary capsule range which enhances both Mens and Womens lines, either worn as statement pieces, to compliment an outfit.

The Womenswear and Accessories ranges will be launched officially during London Fashion Week in September 2011, at the world famous “Old Curiosity Shop”, where they will be showcasing their collaborative shoe with proprietor, bespoke shoemaker, Daita Kimura.

VIDEOS