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Emi Funayama's label, Fetico, has unveiled its Fall 2026 collection, titled 'Contours of Grace,' marking a significant stride in its brand development. The collection reflects Funayama's exploration of mature femininity, drawing inspiration from influential 20th-century women such as artist Vanessa Bell, journalist Lee Miller, and fashion icon Gabrielle Chanel. This season’s presentation, held outside the official Tokyo Fashion Week schedule, highlights a growing trend among leading designers to prioritize logistical efficiency while maintaining a continuous presence in the fashion discourse.

The creative force behind Fetico, Emi Funayama, is celebrating five years since establishing her brand and approaches a personal milestone, turning 40 this year. This reflection on personal growth has deeply influenced her latest designs, as she sought to craft attire that resonates with a more mature audience. Her vision was to create garments that embody elegance and sophistication, catering to women who appreciate refined style without compromising a distinct sense of self. This thoughtful approach has positioned Fetico as a prominent name among Japanese womenswear designers to watch.

The collection draws heavily from the legacies of three remarkable women: Vanessa Bell, Lee Miller, and Gabrielle Chanel. These figures, celebrated for their independent spirit and their contributions to shaping perceptions of femininity, informed the collection's aesthetic direction. Military-inspired outerwear and structured suiting nod to their strength and influence. Tweed ensembles evoke classic sophistication, while delicate ruched blouses, reminiscent of negligees, add a touch of subtle allure. The casting of models of diverse ages further underscored Funayama's commitment to presenting an authentic and relatable portrayal of women.

Funayama deliberately chose to feature models across different age groups to reinforce her commitment to portraying an authentic and relatable image of women wearing Fetico. This decision brought a fresh perspective to the runway, ensuring that the collection resonated with a broad demographic. The clothing itself balanced modesty with distinctive elements of Fetico's signature allure. Sailor pants with corset-like lacing at the back, rose-print velvet pieces cinched at the waist, and form-fitting pencil skirts with front ruching all contributed to a sophisticated yet captivating aesthetic. A particular highlight was the presence of intricately pleated trousers, which flowed gracefully as models walked across the concrete floor of Tokyo’s Museum of Contemporary Art, adding a dynamic visual element to the presentation.

Accessories played a crucial role in enhancing the collection's overall charm. The integration of pillbox hats and Mary Jane pumps imbued the designs with a classic, old-world glamour. However, Funayama skillfully integrated modern textures like denim and leather to infuse a contemporary edge, preventing the collection from appearing overly retro. A standout piece, a leather jacket featuring sensually sculpted princess seams, perfectly encapsulated the collection's ethos: effortlessly chic and appropriate for women of all ages, while also feeling relevant to current fashion trends. This thoughtful juxtaposition of vintage charm and modern sensibility defines Fetico’s latest offering.

Fetico's Fall 2026 collection represents a harmonious fusion of maturity and timeless allure, offering a sophisticated wardrobe for the contemporary woman. By honoring iconic women and embracing a realistic portrayal of femininity, Emi Funayama continues to solidify Fetico's position as a forward-thinking and influential force in Japanese fashion.

Embrace the Spirit: Be the Grass, Honor the Legacy.

The Allure of the Iconic Green: How to Transform into Bad Bunny's Sugarcane Grass

Imagine hearing the call: 'Become Bad Bunny grass.' This invitation extended to a select few hundred fans for the 2026 Super Bowl Halftime show wasn't merely about wearing a costume; it was about embodying a profound cultural statement. Bad Bunny's performance was a heartfelt tribute to Puerto Rico and the Americas, featuring vibrant elements like the piragua stand and traditional casita, all woven together with a message of unity and affection. The sugarcane grass, a seemingly simple prop, was in fact a central symbol, meticulously chosen to connect with the island's rich yet complex history.

The Sugarcane Story: A Symbol of Heritage and Resilience

The significance of sugarcane to Puerto Rico is deeply rooted, once serving as the backbone of its economy. However, its history also bears the scars of colonialism, representing exploitation and profound shifts that continue to shape the region. For the performers donning the grass costumes, this wasn't lost on them. Sam Giacometti, hailing from San Francisco, stumbled upon the casting call on TikTok and vividly recalls the production team's emphasis on the cultural weight of their attire. The grass, he was told, was personally selected by Bad Bunny himself, signifying its deep personal and cultural resonance.

Rigorous Preparations: The Path to Becoming Part of the Show

The journey to becoming a part of Bad Bunny's living landscape began with a straightforward application process. Prospective 'grass' performers faced specific criteria: a height requirement (between five-foot-seven and six-foot-one), the ability to manage a 30 to 40-pound costume (the nature of which was only revealed later), and a basic understanding of formations, often linked to marching band experience. Giacometti and his fellow recruits received their confirmation within two weeks, signaling the start of an extraordinary commitment.

Mastering the Movement: Rehearsals and the Art of Stillness

Upon selection, hundreds of participants entered a series of intensive rehearsals. Their primary role as sugarcane grass was to maintain perfect stillness, ensuring they were always in the correct positions for every camera angle. This required precise coordination, including shifting out of frame to accommodate the dynamic dancers. The costume itself was comprehensive, comprising a balaclava, green sweatshirt, sweatpants, gloves, goggles, a Velcro tunic, and individual grass leaves. A dedicated team of 30 to 40 costume designers and wardrobe assistants facilitated the rapid transformation, highlighting the logistical precision involved. Despite the limited visibility from within the costumes, these rehearsals were crucial for flawlessly executing their choreographed roles.

Beyond the Glare: The Unwavering Dedication of the Performers

The production team underscored the importance of their roles, warning against the temptation to seek individual viral moments. Giacometti vividly remembers the message: any deviation would detract from the performance's powerful and uplifting message. The focus was to keep the central theme at the forefront, preventing any distractions from the grass performers from overshadowing the show's profound impact. This strict adherence to their roles reflected a collective commitment to Bad Bunny's artistic vision and the cultural narrative he aimed to convey.

A Night to Remember: The Super Bowl Halftime Performance and Its Aftermath

The performance unfolded flawlessly, a testament to the dedication of every participant. Giacometti shared that each individual embraced their part with seriousness, driven by a desire to honor Bad Bunny's artistic integrity. Once the show concluded and the non-disclosure agreements were lifted, many of the 'grass' members took to social media to share their incredible, once-secret experiences, extending the celebration. Posts from dancers like Humberto and family members of participants, such as Carolina Elizabeth and TikTok user Emma, quickly went viral, capturing the unique pride of being part of the 'Benito Bowl.'

Well-Deserved Acclaim: Recognizing the Unsung Stars

Spectators and media outlets alike were quick to praise the 'grass people' for their unwavering stillness throughout the high-energy performances of songs like "Tití Me Preguntó" and "Nuevayol." Canadian sports broadcaster TSN humorously declared that the "toughest job at Super Bowl goes to these guys for staying still all Halftime." Actor Jenna Bainbridge echoed this sentiment, wishing she could be "a blade of Bad Bunny Grass." When asked if the effort was worthwhile, Giacometti's response was unequivocal: "It was so, so worth it. We’d do it again in a heartbeat."