To Japan and Back: Following the New Spring-Summer 2011 Collection, Part 4
Last post in the series, in which the art island is discovered
Although it was hard to leave the hotel, we went on to venture Naoshima and the contemporary art centers scattered around. You might want to get yourself a map, which you can find at the Benesse art compound. Strolling around, seven houses designed each by a different artist meet the eye.
I have to admit that some of the area's true beauty lies in the streets themselves; in viewing all those who travel in the area. Everywhere we went, we were surrounded by local designers and artists, riding on their bicycles.
As we drove down to see Benesse Art Site Hotel, it was hard not to feel that the track leads us to an emotional and aesthetic peak. Whenever you think that you crossed another highlight, after a few minutes you discover more and more moments that set new standards.
Time flew by and we were worried that we might get stranded on the island with no diner. After all of that excitement, we had to eat something and we thought the island is deserted by night. As expected, we were wrong.
Miaky took us to a restaurant owned by some young guys, which was nestled on the mountain. We got a holiday diner in a superb location. In return, we taught them to sing New Year's songs. Following the fantastic food, we moved to the old guys' bar at the harbor and we finished off this wondrous day only when we ran out of energies.
The next day, we had to see Chichu, the art museum, launched in 2004. Tadeo Ando is the architect entrusted with this fabulous structure.
Ando created a concept which tries to blend the building inside the landscape without harming it. In accordance, the museum's building is located underground and is lit from within the ground. The lighting games neutralize any risk to feel claustrophobic.
Don't forget to see the Monet permanent exhibition and the garden which was inspired by his works.
From Naoshima we headed back to Tokyo, for two more days of saying goodbye to our newly found home. During these couple of days, I spent quite a lot of time watching street fashion. I felt that the Japanese style does not try to pretend and create a false, synthetic sense of sex appeal. Quite the opposite; the clothes you around Tokyo come across as naïve and pleasant. These impressions, as well as the figures and fabrics, became a source of inspiration of me.
Korean Airlines lived up to their promises on the flight back home. The back rows are always empty and the stewardesses' hair dress always looks so refined, the movies on the flight are always the best.
At home, I felt how all of these experiences find their way to my creation, my interests and thoughts about the aesthetic surrounding me.
Thanks to this journey, I was able to embark on a new path. Now, as Maya Negri's Fashion House new collection is in the stores, I can finally share it with you.
In the heart of this collection lies a story of re-birth and creation. A story Japan needs now more than anything else. Now, overcome by disasters, it seems that the memories of this journey are becoming a silent hope for Japan's resurrection.