In response to the Tsunami that struck the Tohoku region of Japan on March 11, 2011, actor Shin Koyamada’s SKF non-profit organization established the Japan Emergency Relief Fund of America (JERFA) to bring hope and help to the victims and has partnered with Preco and EM & Co to present the JERFA Fashion Show.  JERFA, the official partner of the Japanese government, collects funds and basic supplies for the earthquake and Tsunami victims in the Tohoku region of Japan.  The red carpet event, which was held on May 20 included appearances from Alpha Takahashi (Miss Japan) and actor Shin Koyamada (Last Samurai), as well as designers Mayumi Bradshaw, Tsubomi, Ahniimura, Tatiana McLane, and jewelry designer PRESCO.

“Regardless of where we live, we’re all at the mercy of Mother Nature, but we can choose to work with her as our spirits can unite for the benefit of good and brotherhood.  In these times of economic strife, I am inspired and impressed as to how much the American people have stepped forward to help. How can I not be proud to be a Japanese man living in the United States?” –Shin Koyamada

The runway show consisted of intensely artistic garments ranging from monochromatic black dresses, pants, and jumpsuits to vividly colorful capes with animated graphic designs to the orange weather protected stylish jacket at the close of the show.  The models were styled in traditional Japanese pageboy wigs and ruby red lips.

Interviewed by Kaylene Peoples

Responses by Alpha Takahashi (Miss Japan) and Myumi Bradshaw

Can you tell me how you feel about the disaster in Japan?

Regarding the Tsunami, it was something that was very close to me.  Every time I go to a charity event or fundraiser, I am so grateful and thankful to everyone there. I had a very close friend who had their family deceased by tsunami.  I would just like to tell everyone in Japan that people around the world are here to help.

What did you think of the collection tonight?

I loved it.  There were some things that I would love to have worn.

Did you have a favorite piece?

Yes, I did.  I loved the Little Red Riding Hood piece with the graphics.

Designer:  Myumi Bradshaw

First, of all I would like to say that I loved your clothes.

How long have you been designing?

I have been designing for many years, but my own collection, this is the fourth year.  I had a break, but I have just started again.

What season collection is this?

It is the Holiday Collection.

What was your inspiration?

Nature.  From there is where I begin to design.

One of my favorite pieces was the sheer black fringe pants.  What were you thinking about when you made those?

I was just going crazy at midnight! (Laughs)

How did you become involved in the benefit for this evening?

Eveline [Morel] came into my shop downtown.  I found out she owns a boutique, so we talked about her carrying my clothes, and we decided to have a showing.

It was a really great show.  I loved the styling, and what a beautiful collection!

I just enjoyed making it, and I love to get the feedback.  But when I am actually making clothes, the moment I feel it is complete, that is when it matters; it is so fulfilling.

What can we look forward to seeing with your next collection?

I will be traveling to South America to get some inspiration.  I will combine my culture, Japanese.

What would you like to say to the tsunami victims?

I’m so sorry.  We will help you as we can.  I will never forget about you, and I will help you as best I can.  We love you, I am so far away from you, but I will always be thinking about you from now on.

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At the end of May, SKF/JERFA shipped their first 20-foot container to Japan, delivering diapers, 950 quilts, stationery goods, clothing, letters and messages, and bicycles, which at the moment are the most useful mode of transportation throughout the land-torn areas.

For more information or to donate, please visit the Shin Koyamada Foundation at www.koyamada.org.