Tsumori Chisato Womenswear S/S11

Tsumori Chisato has spent twenty years coming up with a plethora of her favourite things that all touch upon the magical and mystical, making her collections always a constant trip as well as building a brand that is much-loved. Stripes mixed with clouds in strong primaries made up the first portion of the show that then eased seamlessly into a nautical theme that had hints of the 40s to some of the pieces, such as high waisted satin knicker shorts or a printed tea dress accessorised with a jaunty sailor-inspired hat. Pieces like a pair of embroidered denim dungarees kept it young and also recalled jovial kidswear in the 70s. Tapping into our childish wants, though, is something that Chisato has always been successful at, especially with the use of her distinctive illustrations, this time depicting wildcats in imaginary surroundings. It all ended with a mixed up pastel delight where sequinned illustration prints on short dresses and separates that can't escape the 'kawaii' sphere mingled with the cutest of hoisery. Here's to another twenty years of all of this and more.

Dazed Digital: What was the collection about as it felt a bit like a 'greatest hits' collection?
Tsumori Chisato: It's not so much 'hits' but all the favourite things that I like from the past twenty years - it never really changes. I love colour. I love animals. It's all there. I went to Africa actually, and saw leopards in the nature reserve parks and I was really inspired by the landscapes. I wanted to make the collection as though it was a dream. So the last part is all pastel and dreamy colours. It's a pastel jungle!

DD: So much of your work is based on your illustration work - how did you develop this aesthetic of your work over the years?
Tsumori Chisato: I've never really changed. I still draw the same things that I did twenty years ago. What I like never changes.

DD: Will you continue to dream for the next twenty years.
Tsumori Chisato: I will keep on dreaming more!