What inspired you to become a fashion designer? Describe developments leading up to the brand launch.

I have always loved imaginary worlds. It deviates from reality and invites us to a place we do not know. Sometimes it’s music and sometimes movies. Fashion was on our side as a means of expression when our hearts moved from simply receiving to conveying. After graduating from a vocational school, I mainly worked on custom-made clothes and costumes for a while. In 2013, I started MURRAL in order to make my expression more conceptual and have a message, and since then I have been presenting it in a collection format.

What is the brand’s concept? What do you want to communicate through fashion designing? What are the images of men and women you want to project?

With the concept of “adding a little drama to ordinary everyday life”, it is characterized by the creation of items that incorporate messages from everyday life, such as embroidery techniques that make you feel craftsmanship and the development of original materials. The dress is the main item of the brand, but you can dress up not only for special occasions but also for everyday scenes. And it seems to gently push the person’s back.

Who are your current stockists (areas, retail formats, etc.)? Describe the typical followers of your brand

The brand’s own online store is the main business. We do business with about 20 wholesalers, mainly in the Kanto region. Regarding wholesalers, we plan to gradually increase the number of accounts in the future. The main buying demographic is people in their late 20s to mid-30s.

Which brands, designers, styles and cultures have had the most impact on your fashion designing, and why?

Alexander McQUEEN, GIVENCHY (RICCARDO TISCI in the 2000s), John Lennon, Yoko Ono, Jim Jarmusch The list goes on and on, but what they all have in common is that their works take you somewhere else. Is that what you mean?

This is your first time participating in Rakuten FWT since 2019A/W. Why did you decide to participate this season?

From the restrictions under the influence of the pandemic, it has gradually become possible to make physical transmissions freely. We believe that wearing clothes is equivalent to engraving memories in the heart of the person. As an opportunity for people to know about the brand, and in order to express the original charm of clothes more directly, I chose a very primitive runway presentation.

Also, this time, “MURRAL” will be participating as one of the projects of the Tokyo Creative Salon.Is there anything you would like to expect from this type of show presentation?

In the city of Tokyo, where diverse cultures intersect, it reflects various expressions depending on the angle at which it is cut. Discovery of new charm, fresh expression. I hope that I can present it to those who see both sides.

What is your vision for your show / installation? (General description only)

23FW is a collection that explores “ephemerality”. The identity of transience that MURRAL envisions. I would be happy if I could share it with you through the runway show. Please look forward to it.

What are your brand’s future outlook and goal ?

Gaining more recognition in the country. Overseas expansion. We value each and every person we meet through our brand so that we can always provide an attractive world.

Please tell us about your brand and personal efforts and challenges regarding SDGs.

As long as we make a living by making things, we cannot eliminate waste. What kind of distance do you face in that? Appropriate ordering and inventory management that values customer feedback. I think it will be necessary to create a system from upstream to downstream. First of all, don’t stop thinking without giving up on the problem. I think that is important.