As the catwalk backdrop consisted of batik patterns and whilst the wait was elongated by delays at the Junya Watanabe show beforehand, you pondered whether the entire collection would be one big batik fest, just to add to the already growing suspicion that S/S 09 will be all about being 'ethnic', whatever that loose/vague term entails. Sure enough it started that way with batik knotted sack dresses, gypsy check skirts and turbans. However, this gave way to all of those kawaii things you like about Tsumori Chisato. Dress after dress that were all voluminous and heavy with their patterned splendour, embroidery, beading and quilting that were all accentuated by the excessive layering and a unique hair style that had the models with a poofy bun on one side and crimped locks on the other. Highlights include he tear drop dress that looked like it was crying with yellow and black tears, a tree embroidery that grew its way over a few pieces and the Minnie Mouse shoulder shirts that made breathes new life into a gypsy shirt.