In 1991, Takao Yamashita introduced beauty:beast, a brand known for its Gothic and conceptual designs, blending punk-inspired aesthetics with bold silhouettes and intricate materials. His Autumn/Winter 1998 collection, Dark Knight, explored the metaphorical darkness within the human heart, where shadows conceal a spectrum of subtle hues. Yamashita envisioned a “knight” grappling with inner struggles, embodying both heroism and vulnerability, reflecting the tension between self-discovery and self-loss. The collection debuted at sunset in the courtyard of the Mitsui Club, with 1,200 guests witnessing a theatrical presentation accompanied by a live orchestra. Yamashita described the duality of the designs: beauty:beast represented the essence of darkness, while 2beauty:beast revealed the hidden colors within it, inspired by the vibrant hues of a Tokyo night sky. The beauty:beast line featured Victorian-inspired silhouettes with corset-like structures and oversized hooks, while 2beauty:beast offered casual garments in thick denim, colorful checks, and purple digital camouflage, inspired by pixelated VHS imagery. The collection culminated in a pitch-black wedding look, blending medieval and modern elements, showcasing Yamashita’s ability to balance elegance with innovation.
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