Exploring the Avant-Garde Footwear from Grounds

If you’ve encountered shoes that look like a blend of reality and an AI-driven fantasy, they likely hail from the innovative Japanese brand, Grounds.

Revolutionizing Footwear Design

Grounds, a six-year-old footwear label from Japan, has gained international recognition for its futuristic designs that challenge conventional notions of gravity and style. The brand’s unique aesthetic has secured its position in both local and global markets.

Broadening the Vision: A Holistic Approach to Fashion

Mikio Sakabe, the co-founder and chief designer of Grounds, is shifting focus to the complete ensemble rather than just the footwear. “I want to describe a human in its entirety, not only the shoes,” he shared during an interview in his Tokyo studio.

Innovative Collaborations and Inspirations

Before staging its first runway show styled by fashion icon Betsey Johnson, Grounds created a splash through collaborations with renowned designers like Walter von Beirendonck, Bernhard Wilhelm, and other rising talents such as Meryll Rogge and Sinéad O’Dwyer.

A New Chapter: The Upcoming Paris Runway Show

For its much-anticipated second runway show in Paris, Grounds is set to present a collection inspired by the eerie realms of Japanese horror. Silhouettes feature unconventional proportions, infusing classic tailoring with kimono elements that defy standard human proportions, showcasing stained materials and striking insect-like eyewear.

Redefining Luxury in Fashion

Sakabe emphasizes that the concept of luxury has evolved since 2010, when street fashion took center stage. He believes that merging humor with intelligence is essential in this new luxury landscape. “I think luxury was already broken after 2010,” he noted, highlighting the difficulty in defining luxury amidst changing trends.

Making a Lasting Impression

Grounds aims to leave a memorable mark on its audience. “You cannot easily forget that person, because [they’re] a little bit strange,” Sakabe remarked, underlining the brand’s commitment to creating distinctive, thought-provoking designs.

The Future of Grounds and Its Artistic Vision

While fans of the brand will have to wait to purchase pieces from the latest Paris collection, Grounds recently introduced a new line of T-shirts in its flagship Tokyo stores. As the brand continues to evolve, the silhouettes presented in Paris are anticipated to transcend typical fashion, potentially becoming true works of art.