Shinya Kozuka’s fall collection, titled “Good morning, I wish I could fly, nevermind,” embodies a beautifully melancholic atmosphere that evolves with each season. The recent show, set in an underground hall near a bus station in Shinjuku, showcased Kozuka’s unique vision inspired by a Humboldt penguin. The designer’s personal connection to the penguin, symbolizing the inability to fly, led to a collection that celebrates the beauty of embracing one’s limitations.

As models gracefully walked to the tune of Quruli’s “Good Morning,” Kozuka’s penguin motifs adorned garments in various forms, from abstract patterns on sweaters to intricate bead embellishments on jackets. The color palette, dominated by Yves Klein Blue, exuded a serene winter dawn vibe, allowing the intricate textures and thoughtful details of the designs to shine. Kozuka’s musings, inscribed on knits and caps, added a poetic touch to the collection, emphasizing self-acceptance and finding beauty in simplicity.

With blue feathers adorning the models, the show took on a mystical quality, portraying the humble penguin as a celestial being. Kozuka’s reinterpretation of the classic ugly-duckling tale conveys a message of self-acceptance and embracing one’s uniqueness. Through his collection, he reminds us that there is beauty in embracing our limitations and finding contentment in our own journey, even if we can’t soar like birds.