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art - influence on fashion, art and fashion, art inspired - fashion, Horiyoshi III- fashion label, Horiyoshi III- master tattoo artist, Irezumi- full body tattoo, Japanese tattoo iconography, traditional Japanese tattoo imagery, urban style, urban wear
Horiyoshi III
is the celebrated Japanese master tattoo artist
who specialises in creating full body tattoos or suits known as
‘Irezumi’.
Born in 1946 and birth named Yoshihito Nakano-
the artist styles himself as
Horiyoshi III
in honour of his late mentor, Horiyoshi I.
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In studio
master tattoo artist of ‘Irezumi’
Horiyoshi III
(image from japan times)
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Using traditional Japanese tattoo imagery of
– fauna (particularly tigers, snakes, exotic birds, koi fish)
– mythological beasts (Asian dragon, Fu-Dog, the Phoenix)
– flora (lotus, peony, chrysanthemum, cherry blossom)
– Kabuki iconography from classical Japanese theater,
Horiyoshi III designs intricate/ornate ‘Irezumi’ (full body tattoo)
a painful and lengthy process, numbering several years.
Yet, the result is certainly awe-inspiring.
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Full body as canvas
by legendary tattoo master, Horiyoshi III
(images from actionrecon.com):
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Traditionally, a central area is left un-inked
dividing frontal tattoo images
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For Horiyoshi III, the instruments of his art are simple:
ink and pen, body as canvas-
the completed work: complex, detailed.
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In 2009
Steve Yuk, a client of Horiyoshi III
proposed establishing a fashion line of
menswear and womenswear
based on the elegant work of the master tattoo artist.
The following year
the Horiyoshi III clothing label was launched.
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Handmade silk carves, signature shirts, cashmere knitwear,
edgy denimwear, statement jackets
are featured in Horiyoshi III collections:
a melding of exquisite Japanese tattoo imagery
on expertly crafted urban/modern inspired clothing design.
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Horiyoshi III
fashion label
contemporary clothing: of the moment
classic imagery: of ancient traditions
Menswear fashion
(images from lyst.com):
Snake print t-shirt
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(image from polyvore.com):
Warrior design
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(images from lyst.com):
Slate grey shirt, 3/4 length sleeve
dragon scale motif
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Black t-shirt
mythological Phoenix
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Black hoodie
dragon print on sleeves
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For him and her
(image from mr.porter.com):
Silk scarves
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Womenswear fashion
(image from styleheroine.com):
Knitwear
black, cropped, roll neck jumper
mythological motif sleeves, scrolled pattern
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(image from lavozdaily.com):
Large scarf with butterfly motif
Knit leggings
Horiyoshi III, a / w 2012 , womenswear
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(images from lyst.com):
Jersey dress
black, phoenix imagery
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Silk, merino wool knitwear
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Kimono-inspired
cardigan in coral hues, asymmetric hem
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With each collection, a limited number of each design piece is produced,
which promotes a sense of exclusivity and intrigue.
The line has a dedicated following
and is the favourite of many fashion forward celebrities including
Johnny Depp and Tilda Swinton.
The Horiyoshi III label is a perfect composite of
east meets west / fashion meets art.
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