Tomo Koizumi's Loofah-Like Fall Collection Is Sending Stylish Minds Into a Frenzy

The name Tomo Koizumi is spreading like wildfire after the designer's New York Fashion Week debut on Feb. 8. Shortly after Koizumi's show at the Marc Jacobs Madison Avenue store, his colorful frilled styles became an overnight Instagram sensation. With the star power of celebrities like Bella Hadid, Gwendoline Christie, Rowan Blanchard, Joan Smalls, and Emily Ratajkowski walking the runway, is it any surprise these looks took over our feeds?

Last month, Koizumi connected with Love magazine editor Katie Grand while living in Japan. The photos of his work on Instagram amazed her and designer Giles Deacon, and she requested he put on a show at NYFW. Koizumi pulled together a ready-to-wear fashion line featuring 28 separate pieces made with Japanese polyester organza instead of tulle.

The designer told Vogue his line is inspired by a variety of influences, including Japanese dolls and flower sculptures, a "hanawa" or floral funerary wreath, and Sailor Moon. Drawing from the animated character's strength, the ruffles on Koizumi's designs aren't just delicate or dainty; they are meant to act as armor for the women wearing them.

His debut left the crowds and those following along on social media in a sort of fun-induced shock, so much so that even Koizumi was overwhelmed. "It's like more than my dream," Koizumi told Vogue. "It's really bigger than dreams."