Chika Kisada

Designer

Chika Kisada

Category

Women’s / Ready To Wear, Accessories and others

Brand information / About the designer

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

I had the chance to meet a very inspiring mentor that truly believed in the potential of my career as a ballet dancer to build an idea of design out of it.
She really supported me while creating my clothing brand. I do believe it was a fundamental encounter for me.
 

―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?

I would define the main concept as ‘Vital Elegance’. My tastes are a combination of the elegance found at ballet stages with the revolutionary power that exhales from the punk scene. I am very concerned about how clothes fit to those wearing them, how they react to their skin, their movements. My clothes aim to enhance the feminine beauty of my customers.
 

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

I am inspired by everything that surrounds me. And it tends to change with every season. But I do get a lot of ideas from the works of other creators. I watch avidly films, read plenty of books, attend performances and exhibitions. Vivid memories remain from all this and help me to generate ideas for the coming collections.
 

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

In Japan my designs can be mainly found at Department Stores or Select Shops. I believe my clients are confident and strong women that are searching to boost their femineity.
 

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

Definitely, my mentor. She transmitted me her sensibility and a right discipline towards conception.

About 2017 A/W collection

―Why have you chosen Tokyo(Amazon Fashion Week TOKYO) as the venue for presenting your collection?

It was not really my choice. It came as a result of winning the 2017 Tokyo Fashion Award. Nevertheless, I am very excited about the possibility of being able to show my creations to a wider audience at home.
 

―What is the concept / image for your brand’s 2017 A/W season?

PHOTOGRAPHIC MEMORIES

The things we forget as we grow up.
The nostalgic textures of clothes that a seven-year-old girl used to wear.
The pink and blue and the soft touch of children’s clothes.
The polka dots, floral laces, ruffles, gatherings, tulle or velvet.

We had a longing for the world of grown-ups.
Now that’s where we live, we feel conflicted.
It arouses a spirit of defiance.

The moments that are still subtly captured when we take photographs today.
The simplicity, naughtiness and innocent sensitivity of children running down the streets and the elegance of an adult.

Future

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

I do really like to keep things in hand and I am very happy with running a family-sized business. Nonetheless I would like to explore in depth the idea of hard-elegance in order to generate new concepts and expand my followers base.

About TOKYO

―What does Tokyo represent for you?

It is a fascinating place where past, present and future melt in a seemingly inspiring way. Its high degree of visuality helps to open my mind every time I step outside.
 

―What are your favorite / recommended shops (of any genres, e.g. fashion stores, homeware stores, food services), facilities and sites?

I do like a lot to attend events and performances at both Tokyo Bunka Kaikan and the Tokyo New National Theatre.