KENTA MATSUSHIGE kentamatsushige.com - @kenta_matsushige since 2014

When did you decide to become a fashion designer? Kenta Matsushige: “I chose to work in fashion when I was 17, after seeing the collections of Kris Van Assche and Martin Margiela at a concept store in Japan.” How

did you get started in the business? “I graduated from the École de la Chambre Syndicale de la Couture Parisienne in 2011 and later started working as a freelance designer and pattern maker.” What was the

turning point in your career? “Winning the Grand Prix at the Hyères Festival in 2014. That was the start of my brand, because it’s when I decided to concentrate on developing my own universe.” How would you de

scribe your brand? “Minimal, sober and architectur

al.” What kind of woman do you have in mind when you design your collections? “A modern woman who is sensitive to fashion, and with the intelligence to understand art and appreciate different cultures.”

What does being modern mean to you? “It means

living in the present with happiness.” You were born in Japan and now live in France. How much are you influenced by these two countries? “In Paris I learned a lot about art, history and fashion. After that, I was finally able to spot traditional and rural beauty in Japan.” Where do you produce your collections? “In France.” Any tips for emerging fashion designers? “Don’t hesitate to make mistakes.”

SHOPS: Blaze Nadi (Kumamoto - Japan), Isetan (Tokyo - Japan), L’Habibliothèque (Paris - France)