Sakata

Sakata was born into a family that owned a traditional kimono shop in Fukuoka. From a young age, he was captivated by the exquisite fabrics and intricate patterns of kimonos. However, as he grew older, he began to feel the constraints and limitations of the family business. During high school, by chance, Sakata attended a modern art exhibition. One installation piece that fused traditional and modern elements deeply moved him. At that moment, he realized he wanted to become a designer who could bridge the gap between tradition and modernity, and between East and West. Upon entering Tokyo University of the Arts, Sakata thrived and began experimenting with bold designs. However, during an important campus design competition, his meticulously crafted piece was met with harsh criticism from the judges, who claimed it "lacked soul." This blow plunged Sakata into a creative slump that lasted for six months. During this time, Sakata immersed himself in reading psychology and philosophy books, while frequently going camping alone. Through his close encounters with nature, he gradually came to understand that truly moving design is not about catering to the perspectives of others, but about evoking the wearer's innermost feelings. After graduating, Sakata turned down job offers from several well-known brands to become an independent designer. His first collection, "Silent Words," combined the three-dimensional cuts of traditional kimonos with modern fabrics, with each piece containing a unique story. This collection created quite a stir in the industry, earning him the title of "the designer who makes fabric speak." However, after achieving fame, Sakata did not rest on his laurels. He began to delve into the emotional connections people have with clothing across different cultural backgrounds. Sometimes, he would spend months developing a fabric that could accurately express a specific emotion. Now, Sakata is preparing a conceptual collection called "Second Skin." This series aims to create intelligent clothing that can change color or form according to the wearer's emotional state. This ambitious project is both the ultimate interpretation of his design philosophy and a significant challenge to his technical abilities. Despite his busy work schedule, Sakata insists on returning home once a week to help his parents run the kimono shop. He secretly hopes that one day he can perfectly combine the family’s traditional craftsmanship with his modern design concepts, creating works that can truly be inherited for centuries.