MEMUSE

Designer

Risa Aizawa

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.

I have liked making and wearing anime and game costumes since I was a student and felt that costumes possess a special power to create the reasons for the existence of the world and change oneself.

By meeting the idols of Akihabara DearStage where I started working, and by styling and designing costumes for the members of Dempagumi.inc, I came to think that I want to transform two dimensions into three dimensions. I want to make costumes that help people who wish to change themselves to realize their wishes” This project was possible as I could meet people who support these ideas.
 

―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?

“Battle Dress” for those who cherish individual personality. The brand hopes to style a person’s appearance and to assist subliming inner desire to change. I want everybody to believe that each person was born with an own story and has the power to change.
 

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

My own music activities, hobbies, indescribable feelings / delusions. Akihabara, Animation, Manga, Games, etc.
 

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

Multi-brand store WALL (Tokyo, Osaka, Nagoya, Fukuoka) run by H.P.FRANCE, online store of the company which I work for. People who I have met through music activities and curations who sympathize with. We are planning to have an exhibition after the collection for buyers (from October 24th to 26th.)
 

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

I have learned a lot from Mr. Mikio Sakabe to establish this brand. I have received courage and desire to be on stage by wearing the costumes of Mr. Sakabe and Shueh Jen-Fang. I think those experiences are the core of my brand even from this time on, so I want to keep cherishing it.

About 2018 S/S collection

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

It’s a way to enjoy 2.5 dimensions like other activities I have done. I have been worked to propose a way of connecting to another world. To demonstrate “MEMUSE” is a “Battle Dress” for those who cherish individual personality. I want to experience something new and challenge myself.
 

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

「Main characters」
 

―What is your vision for your show / installation?

First battle.

Future

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

I want to deliver things that can touch people’s feelings inside and outside Japan. I want to make things that people love even after I am gone from this world.

About TOKYO

―What does Tokyo represent for you?

It’s a city where the past and present coexist changing the balance. It’s open to various disposition and tastes, but sometimes I feel we live fast as if somebody is poking my back.
 

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

Akihabara – I am familiar with and have lots of memories.
Asakusa – I love the atmosphere and people in Shitamachi (low-lying area of eastern Tokyo near Tokyo Bay).
Movie theaters – I can be alone although I am with others.
 

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

Akihabara.
Home Brewed Coffee “Bon”.
Cinema Qualite. How often I go to movies or a certain movie theater differs depending on which movies I choose, but recently I recommend this movie theater. I like movie theaters where I can feel the tastes of the people who work there.