Tokyo - A Japanese designer is challenging accepted ideals of beauty at Tokyo Fashion Week, with an easy-to-wear collection unveiled on the catwalk by models who are blind, wear prosthetic limbs or use a wheelchair.
In his unorthodox show for the "tenbo" brand, Takafumi Tsuruta chose a mix of disabled and able-bodied models to showcase his quirky designs, with several of them donning bright yellow wigs.
He is the latest designer to celebrate disability at a major fashion week, after an actress with Down's Syndrome and a male amputee model graced runways this year in New York and Milan.
"We are introducing something called 'people's design'," Tsuruta said after the show. "The clothes are aimed at everyone in the world. I think it's fashion's responsibility to have trendy and easy-to-wear clothing".
His 'Dream"-themed autumn/winter collection included details such as magnetic buttons and reversible jumpers, aiming to reach a wider audience than typical high-fashion items.
Ami Sano, who was born with a rare disorder that left her without limbs except a left foot, said backstage before performing that she "really didn't dream" she would end up modelling at fashion week.
The 24-year-old appeared before the packed-out hall in her wheelchair, donning a white wedding dress, in the show's moving finale.
"Simple clothing for us is great. I think people in general will be thankful for this type of design, and there are various ways of arranging the pieces," Sano said.
She told AFP that "there is still a wall" in Japan between those with and those without disabilities, but she thought the show could help to challenge prejudice.
"I would like people to keep having hope," she said.
AFP
