An international designer whose clothes have been worn by David Beckham visited Brighton to bless a tailor's shop.

Michiko Koshino, who is well known in the fashion world for her eccentric designs, travelled from her London studio to bespoke tailoring boutique Powell and Palmer in Duke Street.

Koshino, who started designing clothes in the Seventies, is renowned for her experimental edge, high-tech materials and unusual cutting techniques.

Her accomplishments include the invention of inflatable clothing and she once held a fashion show in an underground car park.

Through the years Koshino's designs have risen to cult status. Her Motorking clubbing creations of the Nineties are already collectors' items and her Yen Jeans, manufactured only with original Japanese denim, are worn by the stars.

Recent clients include David Beckham, David Bowie, Keith from The Prodigy and Moby.

Koshino went to Powell and Palmer on Wednesday to mark the fact they have begun stocking her new range.

Shop manager Johnny Rocca first met Michiko 20 years ago, when he worked as her international buyer.

Since then, the pair have remained close friends. He said: "I was really chuffed she came to see us because she has just got back from Japan and she has been over in Italy a lot.

"We passionately care about what we are doing and we don't want to take any chances."

During the 30-minute blessing, Japanese hymns were sung and the door was opened to let evil spirits out of the shop.

Johnny had a special part to play in the ceremony. He said: "I read a passage from Isaiah, Chapter 62. It was all about the sought after one that will never fade and the one to want. We wanted to connect those ideas with the store."

Michiko said: "It is very important for me to come and bless the shop especially as my good friend Johnny wanted it so much.

"They are about to sell my brand and it is better to do the blessing at the start."

Co-owner Jason Palmer, 33, said: "I thought it was a lovely idea. I am not a devout Christian but I feel very proud she wanted to do this for us."

Friday September 17, 2004