Röyksopp Gakkai A/W’14: SOTSUGYŌ

Hong Kong based, independent fashion brand, Röyksopp Gakkai have released images from their latest collection for AW’14, which is curiously called “SOTSUGYŌ”. With the word’s literal translation from Japanese being “school graduation”, the collection is aptly titled as it is based around the rite of passage from adolescence to adulthood. “This collection is to present the anticipation and solicitude of a high school girl in her transformation into an adult,” says Brun, the brand’s designer, “buckles and knots used were inspired by kinbaku; which is Japanese Bondage” – this represents the way in which high school uniform can act as a constraint.

Combining a range of influences with their signature quirkiness, the collection is both playful and completely wearable. The brand claims to be inspired by “European kidswear of the 18^th-19^th century” which can be seen from the minimalist designs executed with a youthful twist – resulting in a new and exciting take on schoolgirl chic that strikes the balance perfectly between classic and contemporary. Since its launch in 2013, Röyksopp Gakkai has certainly been turning heads in the fashion industry, including the likes of Lady Gaga who was seen sporting a ruffed collar from the S/S’14 collection back in June. Now, the brand is hoping to break out of Asia to be recognised by the rest of the fashion world – and with such a promising new collection, their unique designs look set for success in the coming years.

Sophie Prescott

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