FORTUNA Tokyo

Designer

Akiko Koba

Category

Women’s and Kids / Ready To Wear and Accessories
Men’s / Ready To Wear, Ties and Accessories

Brand information / About the designer

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

I have always been fascinated by Nishijin Textiles. I found out that a lot of the good things or products of Japan have not yet been experienced by the world. So I would like to spread our Japanese culture all over the world.
 

―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?

Basically, the concept is Nishijin Testiles X Samurai. By using Nishijin textiles in different parts of the clothing, we will be arranging Kimonos contemporarily. And also since Samurais are fighters, we will collaborating Military fashion into the collection.
 

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

Western arrangements as it is an easier way of exporting Traditional Japanese Culture.
 

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

Japan, Asia and Europe
 

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

Since I was in the UK for a while, its mainly British designers/culture, Traditional Japanese culture and Kyoto.

About 2018 S/S collection

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

I would like to start off from Tokyo.
 

―What is the concept / image for your brand’s 2018 S/S season?

SAMURAI REPRISE – The continuation of the Samurai
 

―What is your vision for your show / installation?

A painting by the Japanese painter Hiroshi Senju wil be at the center of the runway, the concept is fusion of Japanese painting and samurai fashion.

Future

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

I would like to export Japanese Crafts from Tokyo to all over the world.

About TOKYO

―What does Tokyo represent for you?

Although there are different mixes and on-going changes, Tokyo will always be a distinctive city.
 

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

I think it would be Nakameguro. I like cities that have Sakura on a daily basis.
 

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

Walking around Setagaya Park. Irohasushi (Nakameguro)