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HIROMI ASAI Unveils 'Akatsuki — Before the Dawn' at New York Fashion Week

New York fashion brand HIROMI ASAI is set to showcase its Spring/Summer 2027 Men's Collection titled 'Akatsuki — Before the Dawn' during New York Fashion Week on September 13, 2026. Designer Hiromi Asai has a rich history of collaborating with traditional Japanese Kimono artisans, transforming age-old textile craftsmanship into innovative and sophisticated menswear. The collaboration started in 2017, and Asai made a significant impact when presenting authentic kimonos at New York Fashion Week back in 2016. This paved the way for a unique style that fuses traditional Japanese aesthetics with contemporary fashion sensibilities.

Theme of the Collection

The collection's name, 'Akatsuki,' refers to that magical moment just before dawn when darkness begins to fade, and soft light starts to emerge. This theme symbolizes hope and new beginnings, aptly displayed through the rich hues incorporated in the collection. The eight-look showcase balances deep shades of navy, charcoal, and earthy tones with lighter whites and radiant neutrals, elegantly transitioning from darkness toward the light.

Working with skilled artisans from Tango, a historic silk-weaving region of Japan, HIROMI ASAI developed unique textiles specifically for this collection. Many of the fabrics feature nuitori, a traditional method of weaving decorative threads into the fabric, creating richly textured patterns that echo the depth of the night sky giving way to dawn.

The collection embodies the essence of kacho-fugetsu, the Japanese philosophy that celebrates nature and the cyclic beauty of changing seasons. Motifs inspired by nature abound, as do attention-grabbing graphics like panther patterns and checks, alongside auspicious traditional designs. As nature stirs in the early morning light, this collection captures that ephemeral moment of beauty and the promise of a fresh start.

Designer's Vision

Hiromi Asai has articulated a profound connection to this collection. He states, “Even before we see the first light, morning is already on its way. The sun will rise again.” Asai's desire was to encapsulate that serene moment just before dawn—not solely the obscurity but also the underlying optimism that it carries. For him, this collection stands as a testament to belief in the unseen beauty that lies just beyond the horizon.

Show Details

The HIROMI ASAI Spring/Summer 2027 collection will be presented during a Flying Solo Show at New York Fashion Week as follows:

• - Date and Time: Sunday, September 13, 2026, at 4:00 PM EDT / Monday, September 14, 2026, at 5:00 AM JST.
• - Location: Rooftop, Midtown Manhattan, New York (by invitation only).

Future Showings

Following the unveiling at New York Fashion Week, the collection will travel internationally, with scheduled presentations at Paris Fashion Week on October 7, 2026, and Los Angeles Fashion Week on October 9, 2026.

Sales and Showroom Details

For those interested in purchasing or viewing the collection post-debut, sales inquiries can be directed to:

• - Flying Solo, The Store: 420 W Broadway, New York, NY 10012, USA, Phone: 646-982-1133. Further details can be found on Flying Solo's website including access to the designer's online store.

HIROMI ASAI continues to create waves not just in the fashion industry but also in the appreciation and preservation of traditional Japanese textiles transformed into a global menswear aesthetic. This collection stands as a celebration of culture and artistry, promising a hopeful step into the future of fashion.