malamute

Designer

Mari Odaka

Category

Women’s / Ready To Wear

Brand information / About the designer

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

When I was a student, I was impressed with a variety of expression by the wholegarment knitting machines of Shima Seiki. As I experienced a lot as a knitter, from texture expressions to three-dimensions, I naturally began to design original clothing. It was the start of malamute.
 

―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?

To express both the strong and soft side of women.
 

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

I gather everything that I’m interested in, and interpret them. I don’t even know what to be created at first.
 

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

Characteristic stores that always keep their ideas fresh; mainly department stores or specialty stores that match the brand concept. Many of malamute’s customers are charming people who have solid ideas and a sense of humor.
 

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

I was affected by many, but especially Comme Des Garcons and writtenafterwards had a great impact on my designing as a fashion brand.

About 2019 S/S collection

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

To show the mood of malamute, which I cannot express only with the look photos.
 

―What is the concept / image for your brand’s 2019 S/S season?

The key concepts are cruise, revisit, repair, and memento.
 

―What is your vision for your show / installation?

I’ll think about it, and it hasn’t been decided.

Future

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

I’ll try to select things to keep my ideas fresh.

About TOKYO

―What does Tokyo represent for you?

The city always active, and with interesting architectures.
 

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

Shinjuku. The city consists of different cultures. I like café that has been there for a long time.
 

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

The Japan Folk Crafts Museum.