Designer Takeo Kikuchi shares his experiences and educational background in fashion, highlighting his journey from student to creator in the latest installment of the series ‘Fukubito.’
Designer Takeo Kikuchi has made significant strides in the fashion industry, reflecting on his career and educational background in a recent installment of the series “Fukubito.” Kikuchi, who began his journey in fashion while studying arts at Bunka Gakuin, later pursued further education at the Hara Nobuko Academy, now known as Aoyama Fashion College. His time at the academy enabled him to hone his skills in draping, a technique that has been instrumental in his bespoke clothing creations.
In his own words, Kikuchi recounts his time at Hara Nobuko Academy, noting that the founder, Mr. Hara, was closely connected to the fashion world, having been a classmate of renowned designer Pierre Cardin. This connection played a role in his decision to enroll, as he sought a sense of familiarity after attending Gakusei, a French mission school.
The academy presented a unique opportunity for Kikuchi and his peers. About three months into the program, Mr. Hara encouraged them to “put on a show by yourselves,” emphasizing the importance of mastering the basics through practical experience. As a result, Kikuchi and five other students organized biannual fashion shows aligned with the global fashion calendar. Their first show took place at the Akasaka Prince Hotel, where each member showcased two pieces. The event garnered attention, including coverage from the English newspaper “Japan Times,” which featured photos of Kikuchi’s designs, boosting his confidence.
Kikuchi noted that despite the modest scale of the collections, the preparation was intense. Students independently handled material procurement from textile companies while working on their designs. He remarked on the rarity of such an opportunity for student-led shows in vocational schools in Japan at that time. The educational approach prioritized draping techniques over traditional pattern-making, allowing for creative freedom that proved advantageous in his future projects.
After his education, Kikuchi navigated through several haute couture ateliers over a nine-year period. His frequent job changes, particularly three within his first year, stemmed from a search for creative fulfillment. He began his professional journey at “Ruri-Ochiai,” where he was thrust into costume design for a film featuring actress Ryoko Sakuma shortly after graduating—an assignment that he found daunting. This experience, coupled with the pressure to learn quickly, ultimately led him to resign due to feelings of anxiety about meeting expectations.
Kikuchi then took a position at “Madame Miki,” where he worked with large-scale imported materials and tailored customer designs. However, he realized this role did not align with his aspirations, resulting in a tenure of less than six months. His search continued when a classmate introduced him to “Mimosa,” a boutique favored by celebrities, which offered him significant responsibilities and valuable industry insights. Yet, despite gaining experience, Kikuchi still felt unfulfilled, culminating in his decision to establish his own atelier.
As he prepares for future endeavors, including an upcoming feature titled “Featured in the Legendary Shop ‘Capsule,'” Kikuchi’s reflections illustrate his journey through the complexities of fashion creation and the personal challenges faced along the way. The TAKEO KIKUCHI Archive Collection continues to celebrate his creative output, showcasing designs that capture a unique spirit, such as a denim jacket from the late 1980s equipped with a stand collar and playful woven label.
This installment of “Fukubito” highlights the evolution of Takeo Kikuchi as a designer and provides insights into the formative experiences that shaped his career in the fashion world. The next chapter is scheduled for release on March 1.
Source: Noah Wire Services
