For the first time in its history, the fashion label RIV NOBUHIKO took to the runway at Rakuten Fashion Week TOKYO 2025 A/W, unveiling its poignant and powerfully personal Autumn/Winter 2025 Collection. Co-founded by South Korean designer River Garam Jang and Japanese designer Nobuhiko Obama, the brand delivered a show rich in sentiment and symbolism, held at TODA Hall & Conference Tokyo in Kyobashi.
Marking their first-ever physical runway presentation, the design duo used the occasion to explore a deeply personal theme: a tribute to River’s mother. Appropriately titled “LEE”, the collection reflects the complex layers of womanhood as seen through a son’s eyes. As a child, River admired his mother—then in her thirties—as a figure of strength and independence. But reaching the same age himself, he began to see a deeper truth: behind her strength lived a tender fragility, a duality familiar to many modern women navigating both emotional sensitivity and societal expectations of resilience.
That nuance was reflected in every detail of the collection. A pristine white floor sheet lined the venue, evoking purity and vulnerability, setting the stage for a series of looks that fused “wild luxury” with meticulous craftsmanship. RIV NOBUHIKO’s signature approach—marrying classical officewear silhouettes with couture-level detailing—was on full display.
Textural contrasts and layered femininity stood out across the runway: delicate beadwork adorned minimalist knit tops paired with refined mini skirts, while understated grey dresses bloomed with oversized white floral appliqués. Everyday wear met high fashion in a way that felt both intimate and global—earning nods from international buyers during recent showings in Paris.
One standout segment featured vivid floral prints rendered using Epson’s Monna Lisa digital textile printing technology, adding a painterly boldness to flowing dresses and tailored pieces. In the finale, a model walked the runway lifting the hem of a gossamer hoop dress with a handle—blending girlish softness with the mature, empowered gesture of “carrying a handbag.” The moment crystallized the show’s core theme: the beautiful tension between youthfulness and grown-woman strength.
Adding even more emotion to the event, River’s mother attended the show in person. “My mother still lives in Korea, and I studied in the UK and work in Japan. Until now, I rarely had the chance to fully show her what I create,” River shared. After the final walk, he presented her with a bouquet in a touching gesture of gratitude and recognition.
Beyond the runway, RIV NOBUHIKO continues to champion socially conscious fashion. Since its earliest seasons, the brand has employed women who face barriers to traditional employment—mothers, caregivers, and those managing family responsibilities in Japan and Korea. Around 20 artisans now contribute from home using kits sent by the brand, creating a tight-knit production network rooted in trust, craftsmanship, and mutual respect.
Reflecting on the milestone, the designers noted that hosting a show was not without challenges, but ultimately proved invaluable in elevating their brand and strengthening their community. “We were uncertain, but crossing all the hurdles made us realize how much this was worth. We hope to keep building on it,” they said.
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