Japanese fashion designer Yohji Yamamoto became famous some 20 years ago. Since then, distinguished socialites have considered themselves obliged to have at least one item from Yamamoto's latest collection in their wardrobes.

LifeStyle has recently learned that the Yamamoto boutique in Moscow will be closing this summer due to low sales. No surprise, then, that the Feb. 19 presentation of the designer's two collections – the eponymous Yamamoto's spring/summer 2002 collection and the Y's collection – which took place in the multi-brand Moscow boutique, James, drew in a huge crowd of socialites, party animals, high-livers, femmes fatales and, of course, free-loaders.

Y's collections, which are sold at James, comprise everyday clothes, while Yohji Yamamoto's, which are sold at the Yamamoto boutique, feature experimental and innovative designs. Since his debut in Paris in 1981, every new collection of Yohji Yamamoto has been recognized as a major event in the world of high fashion. This year's collection is no exception, featuring loose and wide black shirts, baggy silk trousers and satin sports jackets.

Yamamoto's cooperation with Adidas, which started last year, manifests itself with the addition of Adidas' famous stripes to Yamamoto's traditional Japanese patterns. Apparently, the idea is to boost sales, especially given Adidas' enormous popularity in Russia.

For men, Yohji Yamamoto offers black, dark-blue and gray loosely tailored suits, transparent raincoats with zippers and shirts and knitwear decorated with pictures of beautiful Japanese women.

Y's spring/summer 2002 collection for women features Yamamoto's trademark loose silhouettes, but deviates from the designer's favorite dark colors in favor of bright color combinations and embroideries.

Y's men's collection illustrates the concept of "functional elegance" and is dominated by pastel, gray, rose and violet colors. The gray, pinstriped suit and the embroidered shirt are destined to score high sales.

To be honest, watching the presentation was a bit depressing. Why are such plain clothes priced so high? It's much more practical to sew something similar for myself at home.