Higa

Designer

ISSEI HIGA

Category

Women’s / Clothing, Shoes and Accessories

Brand information / About the designer

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

There was not a specific moment in time or event that sparked my desire to be a fashion designer. I found myself becoming interested in clothes and fashion when I was in the fourth grade at primary school. I decided to pursue a career in designing clothes when I was twenty. I wanted to commit to my decision and to give myself the best chance, and I moved to Tokyo and attended the Bunka Fashion College. Living in Tokyo gave me lots of opportunities to experience new and exciting things. By the time I graduated, I had the ambition of starting my own brand in the future, based out of my home island of Okinawa. I started by learning the basics of clothing creation and design working in Tokyo and Niigata Prefecture in clothing manufacturing and apparel businesses. I prepared to start my business step by step and finally in July, 2009 I started my own brand “COVER”. It has been 6 years since I began and I now wish to rebrand and introduce my designs under the name “Higa”, my own last name, which is unique to Okinawa.

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

I would like to create clothes which, not only, stand out by themselves but which also show the individual’s inner strengths and weakness.

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

My inspiration comes from life, the environment, and people. I always gather information from my current interests. Unintentionally, I find that they all have something in common, and I create clothes with realistic and appealing points from both a subjective point of view and an objective point of view.

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

I have been active in marketing mainly in Okinawa, therefore many of my stockiests are there.  However recently my customers are coming from outside of Okinawa and even from overseas.   I can not generalize but I am under the impresssion that my customers seem to be independent women with some interest in fashion.

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

Many brands from Japan and overseas have influenced me and my fashion designining.   Especially in Japan  Rei Kawakubo who is the founder of Comme des Garcons, influenced me.  I learned the importance of balanceing being creative at the same as time as being in businesss.  I respect her because she is always trying something new even though she established her career over 40 years ago.

About 2016 S/S collection

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

Initially I was not planning on particating in this event.  However I decided to present my collection because I hope to broaden my business chances, not just stay in Okinawa.  That’s why I decided to do this in Tokyo.  I felt the need to be in a place or at an event where people can see my clothing in person.  That is the reason I decided to go for this venue.

―What is the concept / image for your brand’s 2016 S/S season?

The concept is: you can be who you are no matter where you are.  You can be in Okianwa where there is a lot of nature or you can be in Tokyo where there is a more sophisticated urban feel.  My image is a good balance and mixture of those ideas.

―What is your vision for your show / installation?

I’d like to keep it to myself for now since I want people to look forward to my show.

Future

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

I want my work to be not only worn within Japan but also outside Japan, in places such as Europe and Asia.   Okinawa may not be the best place for this type of work.  Therefore I’d like to start to develope the clothes making industry in Okinawa and send it out to the world.  By doing that, I’d like to prepare for people who are instereted in making clothing.  My goal is to empower people through clothing.

About TOKYO

―What does Tokyo represent for you?

Tokyo represents a place where so many different types of people and things meet.

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

I like Shinjyuku, Aoyama, and Omotesando.  The reason is those places are full stimulating things to inspire me but also have places where I can feel calm.

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

BAKERY CAFÉ 426 OMOTESANDO