Craftmanship and sustainability: these are key ingredients in the creations of , a 26-year-old Japanese fashion designer based in Vienna. His work will soon be cast into the global spotlight, as one of nine creatives between the ages of 18 and 25 ¡ª selected from 400 applicants worldwide ¡ª taking part in the inaugural initiative, set up by the Swarovski Foundation to identify and nurture young talent.
1. What creative influences did you experience as a child in Tokyo? My parents don¡¯t work in creative industries: My father is a dental technician, and my mother works in a hospital. But my mother likes handicrafts and used to make bags for me when I was a child. So I guess they are both good with their hands. I was also good at drawing and origami ¡ª although I preferred playing outside to staying at home.
2. What inspired you to become a fashion designer? Since I loved creating things, I studied textile design at Tama Art University in Tokyo. I chose that department as I noticed textiles are everywhere in our lives. When I was in my second year, I had to choose between interior design, art and fashion ¡ª I chose fashion, but without giving it much thought. I just liked fashion. I was 20 at the time.
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