And the story continues....

with this post.

I first saw Bunka Fashion College in an ad from the pages of So-En, a magazine published by Bunka. (ca. 1975)

While planning this trip, I included a trip to Bunka as a "must" on my to-do/ to-visit list. I've always been fascinated with Japanese design and Japanese designers (Rei, Yohji, Issey, Takada Kenzo, Junya, Kansai etc.) and Bunka, being an institution in Japanese design education, made me decide to see for myself how such environment nurtures and helps with the establishment of the next big name in Japanese fashion industry, if not the world.

A peek inside Bunka.

Close-up of the mural "painting" made from marble...

...and the book where the "painting" came from.

And now sample works from students of Bunka.

I can't help but marvel looking at these pieces. Well, they may not be considered as "wearable" but in Japan anything goes.

One thing that I've noticed is that Japanese are keen in using various techniques with their designs as seen with these pieces:

I particularly like this piece. Its like 50 yards of jersey that's been ruched and shirred!

Dare to wear?

I even saw this art piece. "In the Evening ", a sculpture by the artist Erte.

Fell in love with this metal sculpture, artist unknown. (There's a detail but in Japanese.)

Sample accessories designed and crafted by students of Bunka.

I just love this skeletal piece. I think its made of wood.

I call this "The Orbit".

These gloves are just wicked!!!

While this bag reminds me of "Alice Liddell on an Acid Trip"!

And this pair of Kabuki-inspired shoes are just funky!!!

Of course, there's the bag.....LOTs of those!!!

A few of my favorites:

Needless to say, I left Bunka VERY VERY INSPIRED!!! ;)