AULA

Designer

Yukimi Kawashima

Category

Women’s / Clothing

Brand information / About the designer

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

It’s been a natural flow for me, as it is been my dream since I was a child. From designing patterns and then manufacturing apparel, I got involved into the entire establishment of a shop – design, production and retail business activities. After all this, my brand finally debuted and I became able to develop a collection that could express my own way of seeing things.

―What is the brand’s concept? What do you want to communicate through fashion designing?

Through delicacy it’s possible to admire and appreciate strength.
Thought is delivered through my fashion creations and I truly believe you can feel the positive energy they are made out of. I hope to create memorable pieces of art for those that are wearing them and, in this way, contribute building new memories.

―What is your source of inspiration in creating fashion? What is your process of developing a design concept?

All things influencing the five senses, such as everyday landscapes, street corners captured in photo album, true experiences lived while travelling…all these information have become a source of inspiration.

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

I’m currently growing and I’m starting to be present in shops and department stores both locally and internationally.
I also have some customers overseas: LA, London, Melbourne, Hong Kong, Beijing, Xian, Taipei.
My brand’s fans are free thinking women in love with fashion and characterized by a strong identity and style.

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

I’ll list a few names:　Alexander Mcqueen, Olivier Theyskens, Jean-Paul Gaultier, Ann Demeulemeester. I have always been fascinated and inspired by women’s strength.

About 2016 S/S collection

―Why have you chosen Tokyo (or MBFWT) as the venue for presenting your collection?

10 years have gone by since our company was established.
I decided to participate because we’ll celebrate the 11th year with 2016S/S and MBFWT will be the perfect starting point for our brand to grow both in Japan and outside Japan.

Future

―What are your brand’s future outlook and goal?

Regardless of nationality, AULA is currently targeting a wide age range.

About TOKYO

―What does Tokyo represent for you?

I would define Tokyo as the chaos city, where everything is lively and at reach but at the same time a city where you feel extremely lonely.

―Which parts / sites of Tokyo do you like most? Why?

My favourite view in Tokyo is the group of buildings at sunset from the highway or the Rainbow Bridge.