Hiroko Nakajima’s surrealist fashion designs

Having completed BA and MA degrees at world renowned Central Saint Martins, the London-based designer Hiroko Nakajima was destined for success.  

Originally from Tokyo, Hiroko has always had a keen interest in fashion. But it’s the use of colour and surrealist qualities in her garments that really set her apart from the crowd. This isn’t your generic knitwear designer, that’s for sure.

Her previous collections have consisted of wearing interior designs and incorporating geometric abstractions of body parts into her garments. Although all completely unique in style and aesthetic, her designs do have an overall signature look. The human physique plays a large role in the designs Hiroko creates. We, as the customer, are drawn to these pieces because we feel associated with them, while at the same time we are seeing distorted, strange images. 

Hiroko definitely wants her pieces to appear familiar yet alien to the consumer. Which is a huge part of the appeal, as we want to discover more. 

Hiroko Nakajima’s current collection for S/S ’13 Collection Deception consists of numerous visual illusions. An ankle length dress, black on one half, has the other side portraying a slender woman’s form. It looks like the model is both wearing the form and being embraced by it. This would look amazing walking down the street.

The rest of the collection consists of a vibrant colour palette, contrasting pale and dark tones which Hiroko describes as “poisonous”. Her screen printing on velvet designs are also to die for and we cannot wait to see what this exciting designer is to create next.

Bethan Williams

Check out the Hiroko Nakajima website here for all the collections and further information.