Funtrap Showroom
California Market Center Suite C555(213) 622-2339www.funtrap.net
The apparel industry for years has viewed the Japanese market as a voracious consumer of American style. The same can be said for American demand for Japanese design.
The new Funtrap Showroom at the California Market Center aims to tap into that market and offer a taste of Japanese design with four collections featuring tops, coordinates, denim and bags.
Launched Aug. 4 by Yukie Teramachi, the smallish but airy showroom highlights its own line, called Saikan, which features “Kirigami” prints on polyester/cotton featherweight tops, as well as on skirts, jackets and handmade bags. Kirigami is an art of folding and cutting paper. Funtrap designer Kanoko Yaguchi, an accomplished kirigami artist, makes all of the company’s designs. Many of her kirigami creations are based on nature, such as lotus blossoms. The shapes are used as a base for prints on Saikan’s garments, which are made in Japan. Prices range from the mid-$20s.
The showroom also carries the growing smo menswear line, featuring cutting-edge designs also out of Japan. The line debuted in the United States last year and has gained notice with upscale retailers. It features denim, jackets and shirts from the $50s and up.
Now’s the time to bring more Japanese designs, Teramachi said, since trade restrictions were lifted a couple of years ago and the U.S. market is eager to see more designs from Japan. “Japan is ready to introduce its talented designers, who have much more global- minded ideas and creations than before,” Teramachi said. “It’s the best timing for ’Made in Japan’ product to provide quality and uniqueness.”
Funtrap also sells eco-friendly headwear by Outernational by Livity for $18 and up.
The Funtrap crew will be showing its lines at the upcoming Los Angeles Fashion Market, as well as at Pool in Las Vegas. —Robert McAllister
