ALMOSTBLACK’s self-described ‘Post Japonism’ channels the spirit of traditional Japanese aesthetics across a dynamic range of punk and streetwear-infused menswear collections. Active since 2015, the label has served as a platform for designers Shunta Nakajima and Masaki Kawase to invoke a sense of timeless poetry within the framework of global contemporary fashion. The name ALMOSTBLACK itself references the deep indigo ‘kachiiro’ dyes used for samurai uniforms, said to bring good luck and victory. Dark monochrome pieces appear in geometric, voluminous cuts with strong unexpected accents like elongated, bold zippering that runs well across conventional boundaries, from shoulders to sleeves, or down the length of a trouser leg. Dynamic patternings and abstract imagery, from glitched floral graphics to rust detailing, add a splash of tactile and sensory interest. Embroidery, layering, graphic appliqués and post-war Japanese art prints combine for a true eclecticism, mirroring the unique balancing act of adaptability and aestheticism that characterizes traditional Japanese clothing.