YUIMA NAKAZATO PORTRAIT
DESIGNER BIOGRAPHY
At the basis of Nakazato’s design theory are three elements: “Cosmos”, “Future”, and “Nature”, while “Fashion” is to “imagine and create the future of humans”. From his original approach to material development, incorporating the latest in technology in his products, and collaborating with various industries, to costume design for movies, theater, and top recording artists, Nakazato continues his work in a wide range of fields.
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With artists as parents, Nakazato was constantly surrounded by art from early childhood. Years of seeing and watching his parents’ art pieces, traditional performing arts, stage design, and costumes, all have influenced him greatly. At the age of 18, he moved to Europe and entered the Royal Academy of Fine Arts Antwerp’s Fashion Department to study design.
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1985 -Born in Tokyo.
2008 -Nakazato was the youngest Japanese designer to graduate from the Fashion Department Master’s Course of the world-renowned fashion school, Royal Academy of Fine Arts Antwerp. Awarded the Innovation Award by Ann Demeulemeester of the Antwerp Six for his Master’s Course graduation collection. Participated and won awards at Diesel sponsored, International Talent Support (ITS) Fashion Competition held in Italy, one of the two largest fashion contests in the world, in both 2008 and 2009. Shoe designs created during his study at the Royal Academy were put into the Antwerp Mode Museum (MoMu) for permanent preservation.
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2009 -Started fashion label, YUIMA NAKAZATO.
2010 -Presented menswear runway show in Tokyo’s Yoyogi National Gymnasium. Named a future talent in the “Best Dress-up” category by Nicola Formichetti in US V MAGAZINE.
Began costume design with costumes for female vocalist Fergie, during The Black Eyed Peas World Tour and Lady Gaga during a visit in Japan. In recent years, Nakazato has been in charge of costumes for EXILE and Sandaime J Soul Brothers from EXILE TRIBE for promotional videos and Japan concert tours.
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2011 -Published a photo book in collaboration with artist Matthew Stone.
2012 -Chosen for Mercedes-Benz Presents Designer and presented the Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Tokyo Opening Show.
2013 -Collaborated with US 3D printer manufacturer, Stratasys Ltd., utilizing the latest in technology in his product designs.
2014 -Appointed as creative director for costumes for the live action film, Lupin the Third, directed by Ryuhei Kitamura. Held Lupin the Third Costume Exhibition, sponsored by ITOCHU Corporation.
2015 -Founded Yuima Nakazato Co., Ltd.