Phenomenon Reveals First Women’s Collection

Ever since its first show a few seasons ago, Phenomenon has consistently been one of the most interesting brands to participate in Japan Fashion Week. But unfortunately for us ladies, it has always been just a men's line—until now.

Designer Takeshi Osumi’s streetwear-meets-high-fashion mix of colors, prints, textures and proportions has gained Phenomenon lots of attention both in Japan and abroad, and it wasn’t just from uber-stylish men. Women were buying his masculine-yet-femininine designs as well, and then having them tailored to fit their frames. The Big O, as he is nicknamed, became aware of this and a couple of seasons ago he started making some unisex styles available in smaller sizes for women. But for the first time this fall, Phenomenon has released an actual women’s collection. It’s a small offering, but it leaves us wanting more.

As with the current men’s collection, the women’s line incorporates references from the 80s, with roomy a-line skirts and tapered, ankle-length pants paired with prim bow-neck blouses or funky leather motorcycle jackets with shearling sleeves. Flipping through the look book, I can’t help but shake the feeling that the Big O watched a lot of “The Breakfast Club” and “American Gigolo” while researching the collection. But whatever the inspiration, there are some standout pieces, and it’s a treat to finally have them made with women in mind.

Phenomenon is carried by some of the coolest shops in Tokyo and around the world, including The Contemporary Fix in Aoyama, Restir in Tokyo Midtown, Joyce in Hong Kong and China, and H. Lorenzo in Los Angeles. For a full list of stockists, click here.