For pre-fall 2021, Adeam’s Hanako Maeda drew inspiration from her childhood memories spent at her family’s summer home in Kawaguchiko, a countryside escape near Japan’s Mount Fuji. “I wanted to focus on the more calm and serene aspect of summertime,” she explained of the easy, comforting vibe. Using shades of pastels that mimicked cherry blossoms, Maeda leaned into a “loose fullness,” with empire-waist dresses and flowing wrap skirts.
The main print was an interpretation of Japan’s other native flower: hydrangeas, which bloomed over a trio of dresses. Maedam used a linen-like fabric that is both wrinkle-resistant and machine washable, making the Adeam woman’s day-to-day just a little easier come 2021.
In this moment of waist-up dressing, elevated shoulders were a relevant highlight. The square-neck babydoll dresses felt put together for a Zoom call with colleagues, but could also be thrown over a swimsuit by the pool. Versatility was another focus this season, partly because the collection will ship in late spring, when the days are warm and the evenings are cool. The cotton cardigan sets and ruffled boleros came with a touch of nostalgia: “I wanted to do a youthful, modern take on a twin set,” Maeda said. “My mother used to wear a lot of knit twin sets, and it was kind of my quintessential idea of a polished woman.”
Another standout this season was a convertible side-tie blouse. The superfine plissé top with cutout sleeves elevated both the pleated gingham chiffon shorts and palazzo pants it was paired with. Also new: the final three looks, which were part of Maeda’s first “room wear” collection. Made from the brand’s leftover deadstock fabrics, they’re a feminine take on loungewear, and will be available exclusively on adeam.com.
