At Pitti Uomo, the refined order and chaos of Children of the Discordance
See catwalk
With the percussive and electronic sounds of popular Japanese DJ Chaki Zulu providing the soundtrack, the atmosphere was underground in every sense of the word. Both in the dusty, misty palette of the clothes, and in the allure of the bad-boy models wearing studded boots signed by Korean label Aims Studio. Models hid their heads under hoods, scarves tied in turbans, or cowboy hats. Some wearing mouth jewels made by Tokyo-based Jewellers, which gave them an eerie metallic smile. It's no coincidence that the collection was entitled "Enfant Terrible".
This atmosphere was sublimated by smoky hues, hand-bleached effects, and different material layering techniques, imbuing many pieces with an unexpected authenticity, as if the garments were sun-worn or sun-washed.
After starting out in the boutique Ships and launching the cutting-edge multi-brand Acycle in Tokyo's Harajuku district in 2005, Shikama, now 45, founded Children of the Discordance with friends in 2011, which he has run solo since 2013. From the outset, he has been driven by an artistic and artisanal vein, making his own fabrics and prints.
Baggy pants with large pockets or drawstrings, in silk or nylon to layer over boxer shorts, tracksuits, and sweatshirts stained via the tie and dye technique, decorated with patches or embroidered cabalistic designs were just some of the most striking pieces in the collection. Some models, such as the zipped pants, were reminiscent of the creations of his compatriot Jun Takahashi, the designer behind Undercover.
See catwalk
The 35 looks in this collection for Spring/Summer 2026 revisited designs from Children of the Discordance's past and new creations inspired by a recent trip to Vietnam, where Shikama relied on embroidery workshops, the rest being produced in Japan. This season, the designer delved into the world of tailoring through a creative collaboration with a London-trained menswear designer and his close collaborator. The wardrobe was enriched by tailored shirts, jackets, pants, and shorts with clean lines.
Jackets in particular, including the tuxedo jacket, were the subject of a refined composition of different fabrics and men's wool sheets, in subtle patchworks. Some jackets alone combined some twenty different precious wools. Other models were overdyed, while others frayed, like a pair of silk shorts with a clean edge for an "unfinished" effect, while patterned silk ties were adorned with medallions.
As a wedding outfit, a crinoline dress made from hundreds of recycled jersey sweaters concluded the show with panache.
Today, Children of the Discordance is distributed through some 60 multi-brand retailers, almost half of them in Japan and the rest in Europe and North America. Prices are in the mid-range, with shirts priced at over 500 euros, given the high level of finishing and hand-crafting.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Sustainability Times
4 days ago
- Sustainability Times
McDonald's Chaos Erupts as "Cards mattered more than meals" in Japan's Pikachu Giveaway, Forcing Early End to Pokémon Happy Meal Deal
IN A NUTSHELL 🎉 The collaboration between McDonald's and The Pokémon Company in Japan was cut short due to overwhelming demand. and in Japan was cut short due to overwhelming demand. 📈 An exclusive Pikachu card sparked a frenzy, leading to food waste and chaotic scenes at locations. card sparked a frenzy, leading to and chaotic scenes at locations. 🛒 The incident highlights the power of scarcity in consumer behavior, driving secondary market surges. in consumer behavior, driving secondary market surges. ♻️ Companies must balance excitement with ethical considerations to avoid environmental and reputational issues. The recent collaboration between McDonald's and The Pokémon Company in Japan was intended to last for three days but ended abruptly after just one. This unexpected conclusion was driven by an overwhelming demand for an exclusive Pikachu card, which was part of a special Happy Meal promotion. The frenzy surrounding this limited-time offer resulted in significant food waste, as countless meals were abandoned in the rush to acquire the collectible. This incident highlights the intense allure of Pokémon merchandise and raises questions about the broader implications of such marketing strategies. The Short-Lived Collaboration From August 9 to 11, 2025, McDonald's Japan planned to include one of six collectible Pokémon cards in their Happy Meals, featuring a unique Pikachu card. However, the promotion lasted only one day. McDonald's Japan issued a statement apologizing to customers, citing sales far exceeding expectations as the reason for halting the promotion. The company expressed regret over not meeting the high anticipation of their patrons. Behind the scenes, the situation was more complex than a mere stock shortage. Reports from Poké Beach suggest that the event was overwhelmed by fans and resellers, leading to long lines and tension at various locations. Social media images depicted complete meal bags discarded on streets, some unopened. According to Nintendosoup, incidents during the promotion even required police intervention, highlighting the chaos caused by the event. Outrage Erupts as 'A Moral Disaster' Unfolds with the Launch of World's First Octopus Farm, Igniting Global Fury Over Animal Rights and Environmental Risks Pokémon and the Mechanics of Rarity This incident is reminiscent of previous disruptions caused by Pokémon promotions. In 2024, a similar Happy Meal campaign in France and other countries was cut short after introducing Pokémon booster packs with guaranteed holographic cards. The stock quickly depleted, leaving many parents frustrated. In 2023, a similar phenomenon occurred at the Van Gogh Museum in Amsterdam, where exclusive Pikachu cards and related merchandise fueled a secondary market frenzy, leading to the cessation of distribution by the museum. The strategy is clear: create an item perceived as rare, ignite a massive interest, and watch the secondary market surge. This time, however, the situation was worsened by extensive documented food waste, where the perceived value of a card overshadowed that of a meal. This raises concerns about the environmental and ethical implications of such marketing tactics. 'They Blamed the Students—But It Was Us': Professors Caught Using ChatGPT as Secret Weapon While Cracking Down on Classroom Cheating Impact of Scarcity on Consumer Behavior The allure of scarcity has long been a driving force in consumer markets. The Pokémon card craze is a prime example of how perceived rarity can spur intense demand and irrational behaviors. This phenomenon often leads to inflated prices in secondary markets, benefiting resellers at the expense of genuine collectors. Furthermore, the impact on businesses is notable, as they struggle to manage demand and supply logistics. For McDonald's, the fallout from the promotion not only involved financial aspects but also reputational challenges. The backlash from customers unable to participate in the promotion and the ensuing food waste presented a public relations issue. As companies continue to explore scarcity-driven promotions, they must weigh the benefits against potential negative outcomes, including environmental impacts and customer dissatisfaction. 'China's Self-Cleaning Glass Just Made American Windows Obsolete': Revolutionary Electric Fields Clear Dust With Zero Effort Lessons for Future Promotions The Pokémon promotion debacle serves as a cautionary tale for companies engaging in similar marketing strategies. The balance between creating excitement and managing supply must be carefully considered to avoid exacerbating issues like waste and customer dissatisfaction. Companies could mitigate such problems by implementing measures such as limited purchase quantities or pre-order systems to manage demand better. Moreover, there is an opportunity for businesses to learn from past experiences and develop more sustainable approaches to promotions. This includes considering broader societal implications, such as the environmental impact of food waste and the ethical responsibilities of promoting consumerism. By doing so, companies can foster a more positive relationship with their customers while contributing to a more sustainable business model. The abrupt end of the McDonald's and Pokémon collaboration in Japan highlights the complexities of scarcity-driven marketing. As companies navigate the challenges of creating demand while managing supply, how can they ensure that their strategies align with ethical and sustainable practices to benefit both business and society? This article is based on verified sources and supported by editorial technologies. Did you like it? 4.4/5 (27)
Euronews
6 days ago
- Euronews
Kazakhstan marks National Day at World Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai, Japan
Osaka, Japan – World Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai, Japan continues to welcome guests from across the globe, with around 160 countries and seven international organisations showcasing their pavilions. Each nation celebrates its National Day during the six-month event. Kazakhstan's turn came on 10 August. The morning in Osaka began with Kazakh music. The celebrations opened with a parade led by strongman and four-time world record-holder Sergey Tsyrulnikov carrying the national flag, joined by Kazakh warriors (batyrs) and an orchestra. The performance drew a large crowd along the Grand Ring, the Expo's main wooden structure encircling all pavilions, symbolising unity among nations. The delegation made its way to an authentic yurt, where battle re-enactments and performances on folk instruments immersed visitors in the country's nomadic history. For Kazakhstan, the date also coincided with the 180th anniversary of Kazakh philosopher and thinker Abai Kunanbaiuly, whose influence extends across the Central Asian region. 'Abai's ideas still speak to us today – about unity, justice, and the pursuit of knowledge,' said Kazakhstan's Minister of Trade and Integration, Arman Shakkaliyev. 'Marking his anniversary in Japan shows how deeply our values align.' When cultures sing together At the opening ceremony, audiences heard more than Kazakh melodies. A highlight was the Sarmad Orchestra's performance of the Japanese folk song Sakura on the jetygen, a rare Kazakh string instrument. After the concert came a touching moment: despite the rain, Japanese visitors gathered outside the hall to sing the Kazakh national anthem. 'I've dreamed of hearing Kazakh music live,' said Rina Kawamoto from Fukuoka. We met guests from across Japan, including fans of Dimash Kudaibergen, who hope one day to visit Kazakhstan. 'I can't travel to Kazakhstan, so I came here from Fukuoka to experience Kazakh culture. I see people from so many countries here, all brought together by Dimash Kudaibergen's art,' added Kawamoto. Queues for the final concert Kazakhstan's National Day culminated in a major performance. Despite the rain, queues formed outside the Shining Hat venue hours before the doors opened. By the evening, around 3,000 people had gathered. The Birlik Dance Ensemble (meaning 'Unity') earned loud applause. Bringing together performers from across Kazakhstan's many ethnic groups, the ensemble was a fitting symbol of the day. The programme featured works by renowned composers Nurgisa Tlendiev, Karshyga Akhmedyarov, Latif Khamidi and Yevgeny Brusilovsky. Kazakhstan Pavilion nears its millionth visitor The Kazakhstan Pavilion remains one of the Expo's most popular attractions and is expected to welcome its one-millionth guest this month. It draws both locals and tourists with its rich showcase of Kazakh history and culture. Its centrepiece is ALEM (Astana Life Ex-situ Machine), an innovation in organ transplantation that preserves donor organs and allows treatment before surgery. 'Our pavilion is more than an exhibition,' said Kazakhstan's General Commissioner at World Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai, Japan, Daulet Yerkimbayev. 'It's a conversation with every guest. We wanted to show that heritage and innovation are not in conflict. They're two sides of the same story.' The Kazakhstan Pavilion offers a rich and inspiring experience – from the traditional lifestyle of the Kazakh people to the most advanced medical innovations. These exhibits capture the spirit of the Expo's theme, Designing Future Society for Our Lives, by allowing visitors to connect with Kazakhstan and reflect together on the society of the future, said Japan's Parliamentary Vice-Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry, Kato Akiyoshi. 'I have been involved with the Osaka–Kansai Expo since the bidding stage, and as Secretary-General of the 2025 Japan World Expo Bid Committee, I had the privilege of visiting the 2017 Astana Expo. That visit left me with a deep sense of connection to Kazakhstan.' Sweet encounters at the pavilion At the pavilion, we also met travel blogger and polyglot Yuji Beleza, known for his love of Kazakh chocolate. He became popular online for videos where he gives out Kazakh chocolate bars around the world. 'This pavilion really shows the heart of Kazakhstan,' Yuji said. 'It's not only beautiful but also interactive – you can feel the culture, the hospitality, and see the country's innovations all in one place.' The upcoming Almaty–Tokyo direct flight The day closed with a look to the future: next year, Air Astana will launch a direct flight between Almaty and Tokyo, according to Minister Shakkaliyev. Since 1991, Kazakhstan and Japan have built strong partnerships in trade, investment, science, education, and environmental protection – and this new route is set to bring the two countries even closer.
Euronews
6 days ago
- Euronews
Eddie Van Halen's 1982 iconic guitar headed to auction
A 1982 electric guitar used by the late rock legend Eddie Van Halen will be going up for auction in October, New York-based Sotheby's auction house announced on Tuesday. The instrument from the Kramer brand is based upon Van Halen's original 'Frankenstrat' guitar from 1975. The musician had visited the Kramer factory in New Jersey to modify his instrument, in the hopes of creating 'the ultimate guitar for tone, playability and dependability,' according to Sotheby's. The name 'Frankenstrat' is a contraction between Frankenstein and Stratocaster, a model of electric guitar by Fender. The auctioned item bears an inscription from Van Halen to his 1980s guitar technician Rudy Leiren that reads: 'Rude - Its Been a Great Ten Years – Lets Do Another Ten. Eddie Van Halen.' Leiren eventually sold the instrument to Mötley Crüe guitarist Mick Mars, who played it extensively while recording the band's album 'Dr Feelgood' and other recordings, the auction house said. With its black and white spray-painted stripes on a red background, the guitar displays Van Halen's most recognisable design. Five years after Van Halen's death, this is the first of his guitars with this trademark design to ever be auctioned. It is expected to fetch between $2 and $3million. Van Halen played the guitar on tour during 1982 and 1983 in the United States and Latin America, according to the auction house. The instrument was also featured in a TV ad for the Kramer company. 'This guitar is amongst his most iconic and identifiable instruments, encouraging copies from other manufacturers and inspired generations of fans to design their own instruments,' Sotheby's said in a statement. Eddie Van Halen died of cancer in his five-decade career, he became known as a legendary guitar virtuoso, popularising the tapping technique. With his brother Alex, he formed the band Van Halen in the early 1970s, alongside vocalist David Lee Roth and bassist Michael Anthony. Van Halen was also famous for working on the iconic electric guitar solo in Michael Jackson's 1982 hit song 'Beat It.' Rolling Stone magazine ranked him number 4 in its 2023 list of the 250 Greatest Guitarists Of All Time. The lot to be auctioned in October also includes the original Kramer case and a letter of authenticity from former owner Mick Mars where he states: "Hope you enjoy it as much as I did. Also it's a great piece of history.'
