The cover of Mr. High Fashion No. 110 (October 2002) for Yohji Yamamoto POUR HOMME FW 2002-2003 captured a striking moment in the designer’s career, merging the worlds of high fashion and contemporary dance. Featuring the legendary choreographer Pina Bausch, the cover photograph by Yasuo Matsumoto framed her as a figure embodying both strength and sensitivity, aligning seamlessly with Yamamoto's aesthetic. Bausch’s intense, almost ethereal presence brought a new dimension to the image of Yamamoto’s menswear, emphasizing how deeply his designs resonate beyond traditional fashion circles.
This collection itself, POUR HOMME FW 2002-2003, reflected Yamamoto’s focus on reimagining masculinity through nuanced tailoring, fabric choice, and unconventional silhouettes. He employed an earthy palette with rich, muted tones and textured materials, creating garments that felt both grounded and deeply reflective. It was a study in quiet strength and introspection—a natural fit with Bausch's artistry, which often explored similar emotional landscapes.
Having Bausch on the cover symbolized the mutual admiration and respect between her and Yamamoto, which had grown through their collaborations over the years. The pairing also underscored how his menswear was not just about clothing men but about dressing a broader human experience. In a way, the cover became an emblem of Yamamoto's philosophy that clothing could engage with art forms as dynamic and expressive as contemporary dance.
