Today marked the final day of the 2026 S/S season for Rakuten Fashion Week TOKYO (Rakuten FWT) (organized by the Japan Fashion Week Organization (JFWO)).

– Brands that presented on Friday, September 5th –
VIVIANO (From 8:00 PM)
Shibuya Hikarie, Hikarie Hall, Hall A

It’s no exaggeration to say that among Tokyo’s women’s brands VIVIANO is a standout for their vibrant and colorful designs. However, this season, the brand surprised audiences with a collection that featured all black and white looks, a departure from the brand’s usual aesthetic. Titled “Neo Romanticism,” VIVIANO presented his current vision of a new form of romanticism.

The designer proposes a romanticism that extends beyond sweet ornamentation, focusing instead on a quiet strength found in elements like couture-like construction and the individual stitches of embroidery, and a certain silence created when stripping away color. The inspiration for the collection came from couture and vintage items from the 1920s to the 1960s.

A tailored jacket covered in lace was styled like a mini dress, while a fluffy, negligee-like top subtly revealing the lingerie beneath, a sensual look never before seen from the designer.

Items accented with the “CIRCOLO 87” logo, which appeared midway through the show, were inspired by the sports style of the 1970s. By freely mixing different eras and tastes, feelings of romanticism were uncovered in the surprising gaps that arise in these intersections.

While the nostalgic sweetness that the brand is known for remained at its core, VIVIANO has demonstrated a new maturity. As a brand leading Tokyo’s kawaii aesthetic, it has blossomed with a new facet.

YUEQI QI (Yueqi Qi) (From 5:30 PM) Dancehall New Century

YUEQI QI, the China-based brand that gained attention for designing costumes for the global girl group “XG,” has unveiled its latest collection themed “EQUINOX”—signifying the day and night being nearly equal in length. The collection masterfully blended contrasting elements, culminating in the brand‘s signature “dark kawaii” aesthetic. The inspiration for the collection stems from Mario Bava’s 1964 film “Blood and Black Lace.”

A crisp blue striped shirt fabric was paired with sensual black lace, while boxing shorts were layered over plump drawers. The recurring character of the “seductive cat,” with eyes gleaming and claws extended as if ready to pounce, appeared throughout the collection, adding a sharp accent to the fantastical world.

The finale featured a deep crimson collection piece finished with laser-cut parts and macramé weaving. Upon closer inspection, the mesh and decorative patterns formed heart shapes, concealing YUEQI QI’s signature “love” within a poisonous allure.

「WISHARAWISH (From 7:00 PM) Shibuya Hikarie Hikarie Hall Hall A

WISHARAWISH, a Thai brand renowned for its beautiful textiles, presented a collection that combines craft and luxury themed on the daily lives of “displaced hunters”.

“Gathering the bounty of the forest and taking a break on the way home. I wanted to sublimate the small joys found in such tranquil moments, along with the beauty of hand-weaving craftsmanship, into modern fashion,” stated the brand.

The textiles were created in collaboration with traditional artisans from across Thailand. The beauty of the collection was evident even from a distance, in the weaving, dyeing, and sparkling beadwork.

Designer Wisharawish Akarasantisook expressed his enthusiasm for participating in Fashion Week, stating, “Presenting in Tokyo has been fun and inspiring. I hope I can continue showing here in the future.”

ORIMI (From 8:00 PM) Shibuya Hikarie, Hikarie Hall, Hall B

ORIMI, founded by designer Kenta Orimi, made its debut at Rakuten Fashion Week Tokyo, marking its second show as a brand. Details will be reported in the comprehensive report to be distributed at a later date.

Buyers and journalists from overseas visit Japan

(From left) Natalia Andrea Pérez Hernández, Fashion Editor at Metal Magazine and Yokogao Magazine; M-C Hill, Fashion Writer and Fashion Critic at SHOWstudio; Eugene Rabkin, Journalist; Changyong Lee and June Moon, Chief Buyers at 10 Corso Como Seoul; Sunny Luk, Associate Merchandising Director at I.T; Andreas Murkudis, store owner and buyer.

Overseas guests attended the show and toured various exhibitions and related events.

This season, fashion industry professionals from overseas visited Japan to create opportunities for global outreach and other initiatives. While inviting international buyers and press officially began with the 24 A/W season, we have further strengthened this effort by adding support programs since last season. By facilitating physical exchanges with overseas partners and enhancing information dissemination, we aim to increase the number of authentic articles published and boost buying results through first-hand exposure to Fashion Week.

Collaboration with cultural audio media “Artistspoken” begins

To mark FW20’s 20th anniversary, a collaboration with the cultural audio media platform “Artistspoken” has been launched as part of an ongoing content series leading up to the 2026 A/W season next March.

The podcast series titled “RE;MODE_ROOM 20” features comedian duo Mitorizu Lily, the show’s host, and co-host Aoiyamada. We had the pleasure of having both in attendance at this season’s event. Check out the highlights on the Rakuten FWT official Instagram account (@rakutenfwt).

The program will feature a variety of guests through March next year, including prominent designers, industry professionals, and the unsung heroes behind the runway. Stay tuned for the first episode, “Getting to Know Tokyo Fashion Week,” which is scheduled for release at the end of September.

*With some exceptions, photos are taken by ©JFWO.