Eight Under-the-Radar Japanese Fashion Labels Redefining Craft and Minimalism
A feature in Monocle showcases eight Japanese fashion labels celebrated for their design and craftsmanship. Ryota Iwai's Auralee, established ten years ago, made its debut at Paris Fashion Week. Satoshi Kuwata, a winner of the LVMH Prize, leads Setchu, which unveiled a Greenland-themed collection during Milan Fashion Week. Kazuma Shigematsu launched A Presse in 2021, offering exclusive pieces available through Mr Porter and its flagship store in Shibuya. Kaptain Sunshine, founded by Shinsuke Kojima in 2013, procures materials from various regions in Japan. Kiichiro Asakawa's Ssstein, established in 2016, garnered attention at Paris Fashion Week Men's. Yusuke Monden's Sans Limite, founded in 2012, emphasizes classic wardrobe staples, while Shinji Komine's ESC, started four years ago, introduced a capsule collection featuring traditional Takashima canvas.
Key facts
- Auralee was founded a decade ago by Ryota Iwai and now shows at Paris Fashion Week.
- Setchu's Satoshi Kuwata is an LVMH Prize-winner; his latest collection was inspired by a Greenland fishing trip.
- A Presse was founded in 2021 by Kazuma Shigematsu in Tokyo; its garments feature hand-stitching and hand-carved hangers.
- Kaptain Sunshine was founded in 2013 by Shinsuke Kojima; its denim uses 13.5oz selvedge dyed with pure indigo.
- Ssstein was founded in 2016 by Kiichiro Asakawa; it was on many international buyers' lists at Paris Fashion Week Men's.
- Soshi Otsuki is a Tokyo designer who reinterprets 1980s fashion; his clothes are made in specialist Japanese factories.
- Sans Limite was founded in 2012 by Yusuke Monden, formerly of Comme des Garçons; its flagship is on a former black market street.
- ESC was founded by Shinji Komine, formerly of Apple, Nike, and Dyson; its first capsule uses Takashima canvas and natural dyes.
Entities
Artists
- Ryota Iwai
- Satoshi Kuwata
- Kazuma Shigematsu
- Shinsuke Kojima
- Kiichiro Asakawa
- Soshi Otsuki
- Yusuke Monden
- Shinji Komine
Institutions
- Auralee
- Setchu
- A Presse
- Kaptain Sunshine
- Ssstein
- Soshi Otsuki
- Sans Limite
- ESC (Elephant Street & Co)
- Monocle
- Mr Porter
- Comme des Garçons
- Apple
- Nike
- Dyson
- Seiren
- Paris Fashion Week
- Milan Fashion Week
- LVMH
Locations
- Tokyo
- Japan
- Kobe
- Paris
- Milan
- Lombard capital
- Greenland
- Shibuya
- Okayama
- Hiroshima
- Kamakura
- Yamanashi
- Shiga prefecture
- Shizuoka
Sources
- Monocle —