LFW Front Row Guest at Apujan 2023
Lfw day 6 Apujan Front Row Guest
The casebook of Kaiju catwalk show by Apujan took place in the Embankment galleries at Somerset House and began with a talented live Japanese musician. Models walked the runway in Apujan designs and some walked in really quirky, playful head gear like a black camera zoom lens.
My Verdict
I really enjoyed everything about this show, even though the style of clothing was not to my personal taste. It was one of my favourite catwalk shows of the week. The location is really nice and as a front row guest I received a gift bag. The bag contained thoughtful gifts like a vitamin mouth spray and some all natural moisturiser.
After the entertaining catwalk show, guests were invited to have complimentary drinks and snacks in the room next door. With Taiwanese beer. Sustainable water by aquapax and some alcohol free gin and tonic by clear Co.
What I wore
On day six of London Fashion week I wore some ruched brown leather pants with clear heeled sandals. A pink Bodysuit with thin straps. Matching thick rimmed pink sunglasses made a statement and a brown leather bag tied together the pink and brown outfit.
About the designer
Apu Jan, the designer behind APUJAN, launched this London-based womenswear line in Autumn/Winter 2013 during London Fashion Week.
APUJAN’s signature designs incorporate elements of fantasy and literature through the use of patterns and knitwear techniques. By blending traditional and oriental influences with a modern twist.
As well as combining bold and casual elements, APUJAN has created a distinctive style that sets them apart in the fashion world. These distinct features have become synonymous with the brand's name.
The designs were influenced by various sources, drawing inspiration from literature, outer space, and nostalgic imagination. Each collection is based on a selection of books, as Apu Jan weaves together his preferred elements to transport the audience into his fantasy realm.
The garments are adorned with intricate materials, featuring unique elements such as dinosaur fossils, roses, sheep, and cosmic objects that tie into the storyline of every season.
APUJAN's designs have garnered widespread recognition, with features on influential magazines in Asia such as Vogue and ELLE. The brand has also caught the eye of many Asian actresses, who often choose APUJAN for red carpet events.
This attention has expanded to an international scale, with APUJAN being named one of the top 10 culture and creative brands in Taiwan and the designer himself recognized as one of GQ's Men of the Year.
The collections have been showcased in notable fashion and design publications including Vogue, GQ, ELLE, Bazaar, and WALLPAPER. Additionally, APUJAN designs have been displayed at prestigious locations such as La Cite de la Dentelle et de la mode in Calais, France and Paris Fashion Week showrooms.
Besides its runway collection, APUJAN has successfully partnered with a range of industries using the art of storytelling to engage diverse audiences.
These collaborations include designing in-flight loungewear for EVA airline, creating a brand identity for Kuo Yuan Ye, a traditional oriental pastry company, producing costumes for the Cloud Gate Dance Theatre of Taiwan, and designing Samsung's store uniforms worldwide. In addition, APUJAN also designed a series of packaging for McDonald's.
The APUJAN collection is available at the official online shop (store.apujan.com), as well as selected stores in Taipei and London where some designs are also showcased and sold.
The location
Somerset House was initially built by Lord Protector and Duke of Somerset - Edward Seymour as what was proposed to be his Palace in 1547.
London Fashion Week first took place at Somerset House in 2009. Located in the heart of London, Somerset House is a neoclassical structure with a rich history of influence and counter-perspective.
From its inception, it has welcomed the world with an insatiable curiosity that continues to thrive. Today, it serves as a hub for the UK's largest creative community, encompassing art, technology, business, and social enterprise on a global scale.
This unique environment fosters unexpected connections and collaborations, expanding individuals and disciplines beyond their limits. This unconventional approach is also reflected in its public programming, where diverse subjects and methods converge in experimental forms.
Embracing differences and seemingly incompatible ideas leads to delightfully surprising and often magical outcomes at Somerset House's iconic courtyard events. These experiences cannot be replicated elsewhere as they seamlessly blend the unusual, transgressive, and joyous into truly original and unforgettable moments.
Somerset House embodies a philosophy of 'Step Inside, Think Outside' that welcomes people of all ages, stages and backgrounds. It provides a safe space for pushing beyond the familiar and invigorating the mind, vision and society as a whole.