An Interview with Yoshikazu Yamagata and Kentaro Tamai of Writtenafterwards

A few weeks ago I had the privilege of viewing Yoshikazu Yamagata and Kentaro Tamai's exhibition for Japan Fashion Week. The two presented their runway collection during Fashion Week and had an exhibition shortly after to display their work. The theme of the collection was Mr. Zero point. A return to the fundamental elements of society. The designers are calling for a rebirth of the fashion world in difficult times. Below you will see pink roses inserted into their exhibit which are representative of the zero point. The exhibition also included works created by his students. He asked them to create garments entirely out of paper! No fabric allowed! The exhibition was full of photos and inspirations for his collection and he even had a runway show video playing in the background.

Yoshikazu Yamagata graduated from Central Saint Martins College of Art and design with a major in women's wear in 2005 where won several awards in the International competition. After graduating, he worked as an assistant designer for John Galliano.

Kentaro Tamai graduated from Central Saint Martins College of Art and Design with a major in men's wear in 2004. He worked with Margaret Howell UK and Japan.

In April 2007 Yoshikazu and Kentaro developed the Writtenafterwards inc. label. For more information you can visit their website here. Runway photos courtesy of the Japan Fashion Week website.

Here is a short interview with Yoshikazu.

A: Could you talk a little bit about your position as an illustrator, designer and instructor? How do you find the time?!

Y: I just work hard!

A: Where did you attend school and how did you get interested in the fashion world?

Y: I graduated Central Saint Martins. I was interested in fashion since when I was a junior high school student. I was very naturally interested in fashion.

A: Could you explain the concept for this collection, more specifically the Mr. Zero point.

Y: Mr Zero points is from my imagination. I imagined him naturally because from my experience. Fashion show is inspired by Mr zero point

We need to get back to “0”
We need to Think different
We need pure strong creation
We need story

So message is “it is time to graduate from old system”.

A: Did your students find it difficult to create a collection without fabric?

Y: I Think so. But finally they enjoyed making it!

A: How do you think the fashion world needs to change?

Y: The Fashion system doesn’t fit for these days.

A: Where are your pieces currently being sold in Tokyo?

Y: Yes, Isetan Shinjuku

A: What are your plans for the next year (roughly)! Will you be showing at Japan Fashion Week in October?

Y: I am planning to show something in autumn.

(Runway photos via Japan Fashion Week)

Photos from the Exhibition

Thank you Yoshi and Kentaro!