Title: The Wizard of Jeanz
Creator: Hiroaki Ohya
Release Date: 1999
Medium: Limited Edition Book Series and Fashion Collection
Dimensions: Varies by book/garment
Publisher: OH!YA?
Hiroaki Ohya, a graduate of the prestigious Bunka Fashion Institute in Tokyo, first gained prominence as a designer at the Miyake Design Studio before launching his own brand, OH!YA?. Known for his artistic approach to fashion, Ohya often prioritizes conceptual and experimental design over conventional wearability. The Wizard of Jeanz exemplifies this ethos, presenting a series of 21 books that transform into garments when unfolded.
Inspired by The Wizard of Oz and the universality of denim as everyday attire, Ohya sought to reimagine jeans beyond their traditional form, merging utility with fantasy. The collection progresses from denim to floral cotton, representing a narrative journey through material and storytelling. Each "book" in the series unfolds into distinct garments, such as dresses, jackets, and accessories, highlighting Ohya’s innovative interpretation of fashion as storytelling and his deep connection to the Japanese tradition of origami.
Debuting in New York in 1999, the collection was subsequently showcased at the SCALO Book Fair, the Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising in Los Angeles, and the Benaki Museum in Athens. It has become a significant part of private and public collections worldwide, reflecting Ohya’s contribution to contemporary Japanese fashion alongside luminaries such as Issey Miyake and Rei Kawakubo. By blending pop culture, high technology, and experimental design, The Wizard of Jeanz continues to be celebrated as a groundbreaking fusion of art, narrative, and fashion.
