Japan Fashion Week begins

Japan Fashion Week kicks off in Tokyo as Hiroko Koshino unveils her collection for Spring / Summer 2011.

TOKYO, JAPAN - Japan Fashion Week has officially begun and fashionistas are looking to Tokyo to see the latest offerings from local designers.

Among those to show their collections for Spring/Summer 2011, was Hiroko Koshino.

The veteran designer is known for her art-inspired works focusing on calligraphy and traditional Japanese art.

Hiroko Koshino, Japanese designer, saying

"I used a lot of patterns using a Japanese ink or 'sumi', which is a distinctive art style of the East. The Tokyo collection is based on my art and I really focused on the textile when making the collection.

Models took to the runway in long white dresses - each with a drawing in Japanese ink.

The look was contrasted with splashes of colour and matching bright tights.

Koshino says Japan Fashion Week is without a doubt the best place for young local designers to gain exposure and recognition.

SOUNDBITE: Hiroko Koshino, Japanese designer, saying (English)

"If a Japanese designer were to succeed in attracting a Japanese market, it will definitely open up a huge opportunity towards the foreign market. China is now an important market so it's extremely crucial for designers to gain an absolute popularity in Japan since Chinese people love to buy what's new and popular in Japan."

Japan Fashion Week runs until October 24.

Gemma Haines, Reuters.