In-Process by Hall Ohara Fall 2014

Central Saint Martins graduates Yuriko Ohara and Steven Hall presented their In-Process by Hall Ohara Fall 2014 collection – titled “Bubbles” – at Tokyo Fashion Week. Hall cited the film “Donnie Darko” when referring to the collection representing a lighter, happier stage right before one goes to sleep, as opposed to a dark and ominous state.

Yuriko Ohara (left) and Steven Hall, the designers behind the In-Process by Hall Ohara label. (photo by Megan Lee / Meniscus Magazine)

“What we wanted to visualize through this collection was a special dream world that we integrate with reality so well,” the designers stated in their show notes. “A dreamt up world when reality is slightly warped by fantasy. A comfort zone within the mind.”

This would explain the mix of prints and patterns on pieces such as jumpers, sweaters and blouses. One particularly conservative black sheath was flipped around, revealing a plaid cape adhered to the back. Ohara said that this surprise is meant to be surreal – a big part of their mission as stated in the show notes, in addition to a “sartorial cheekiness.”

The In-Process by Hall Ohara label targets women through their 50’s. With their a-line shapes, and loose boxy cardigans and sweaters, one can definitely see a fashionable Japanese woman breaking out one or two colorful pieces to transform her outfit. While this style may not suit everyone – the prints and mix of fabrics may feel a bit overdone to Americans for example – it is indicative of their signature aesthetic.