Rakuten Fashion Week TOKYO 2026 A/W – Day 2 Highlights


Rakuten Fashion Week TOKYO 2026 A/W – Day 2 Highlights

The Rakuten Fashion Week TOKYO 2026 A/W continued into its second day on March 17, showcasing a diverse lineup of designers across Tokyo, from emerging talents to established names. Runway shows and presentations took place at venues including Shibuya Hikarie and BankART KAIKO in Yokohama.



















ANTHEM A – TOKYO FASHION AWARD 2026 Winner

Shibuya Hikarie Hall A

Winner of the TOKYO FASHION AWARD 2026, ANTHEM A held its first-ever runway show, marking its fifth anniversary.

Led by designer Mariko Suzuki and co-designer Nao Yoshida, the brand is known for its distinctive “mash-up” aesthetic, blending elements across categories.

This season was positioned as “Chapter 1” of a two-part exploration of identity, focusing on the theme of self-perception. The collection began with monochrome looks that highlighted fabric textures, gradually evolving into more expressive pieces with bold colours and embellishments.

Key looks included:

  • Knee-length flared skirts paired with slim-fit shirts and knits

  • Vivid green coats styled with fur scarves

  • A finale ensemble featuring a shimmering gold ruffled skirt with a classic black shirt

The narrative will continue next season with the theme “Me, as Seen Objectively,” completing the journey of self-discovery.

ANCELLM

BankART KAIKO, Yokohama

ANCELLM staged its second runway show at a historic venue in Yokohama — a restored bank building originally constructed in 1929.

The setting’s contrast between minimalist white interiors and ornate classical details complemented the brand’s understated yet expressive aesthetic.

Designer Kazuya Yamachika described this season as a deliberate departure from the brand’s usual heavy textures:

“We wanted to create something lighter — even for autumn and winter — that moves beautifully.”

Highlights included:

  • Silk scarves styled loosely for a relaxed elegance

  • Vintage-inspired silhouettes with refined tailoring

  • Wool knits treated with careful washing techniques for softness

While denim remains central to the brand’s identity, this season introduced a stronger emphasis on wool, creating a balance between structure and fluidity.

The collection closed with an all-white look — a symbolic blank canvas for the future.

Kiminori Morishita – Installation Presentation

Shibuya Hikarie Hall A

Designer Kiminori Morishita, another TOKYO FASHION AWARD 2026 winner, presented his work in the form of an immersive installation titled “80 Pieces of History.”

Rather than a traditional runway, approximately 80 garments tracing the brand’s evolution from 2003 to 2026 were displayed in a darkened space.

Visitors navigated the pitch-black venue guided by:

  • A recorded narration by the designer

  • Focused lighting illuminating each garment

Many pieces were contributed by long-time customers, reflecting the emotional connection between the brand and its audience.

Morishita shared:

“What a designer can do is very little — just giving someone a gentle nudge.”

Global Fashion Collective (Partnership Show)

Shibuya Hikarie Hall B

The Global Fashion Collective, an international platform spotlighting global designers, returned as a partnership show.

Featured designers included:

  • Ao Miyasaka — bold red and black palette with dramatic elements

  • Marika Suzuki — soft, fairy-like textures and sheer fabrics

  • Eduardo Ramos — gothic-inspired designs incorporating Japanese aesthetics

The show highlighted the diversity of contemporary fashion through contrasting design approaches.

HOUGA

8 Gallery & Studio

HOUGA presented a theatrical collection titled “Our Playground,” inspired by experimental Off-Off-Broadway performances.

The intimate venue blurred the line between audience and performers, creating a sense of immediacy and interaction.

The collection embraced a whimsical narrative, featuring:

  • Fluffy knitwear and fur pieces evoking a dreamlike atmosphere

  • Garments inspired by everyday objects, such as paper scraps transformed into clothing

  • Accessories reimagined from ordinary items, including a fork turned into a hairpin

The concept was rooted in a simple idea:

Even the most ordinary moments can become joyful when viewed from a different perspective.

Summary

Day 2 of Rakuten Fashion Week TOKYO 2026 A/W highlighted the growing diversity of Japan’s fashion scene, from conceptual installations to experimental runway formats, reinforcing Tokyo’s role as a hub for innovation and creative expression. 

 (photos courtesy of ©JFWO and respective brands)

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