Yohji Yamamoto

Tokyo, Japan

1972

Yohji Yamamoto is a master tailor known for his avant-garde tailoring featuring Japanese design aesthetics. He is famous for his mastery of the color black.

Creative Director: Yohji Yamamoto

Signature Elements: Oversized silhouettes, gabardine wool, asymmetry, and the color black.

Yohji Yamamoto | Couturer Curated High Fashion

History

Yohji Yamamoto debuted in Tokyo in 1977 and Paris in 1981. He shocked the fashion world with his 'Hiroshima Chic'—oversized, dark, deconstructed garments that challenged Western ideals of body-conscious glamour. For over 40 years, he has remained an independent force, creating poetry in fabric.

Brand Philosophy

'I think perfection is ugly.' Yamamoto values asymmetry, ambiguity, and the protection that black clothing offers. He designs for women who don't want to be consumed by the male gaze.

Yohji Yamamoto | Couturer Curated High Fashion

Major Milestones

  • 1972: Y's company established.
  • 1981: Paris debut.
  • 2002: Launch of Y-3 with Adidas.

Timeline

  • Founded Y's

    1972-01-01

    First collection in Tokyo.

  • Paris Debut

    1981-01-01

    Shocked the industry with 'crow' style.

Current Status

Yohji Yamamoto continues to design two main collections a year, remaining one of the few independent masters left in the industry.

Key Collections

Trivia

  • Yohji often says he hates fashion, but loves clothes.

Cultural Impact

Yamamoto, along with Rei Kawakubo, revolutionized Western fashion in the 80s, proving that deconstruction and oversized shapes could be high luxury.

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