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Sanae Yokohata
nae.ATELIERAfter graduating from International Christian University, Sanae Yokohata enrolled at ESMOD Tokyo. After graduating in 2008, she worked as a designer at the multinational company UNIQLO before founding her own brand, nae.ATELIER, in 2011.
Why I Chose ESMOD
During my third year at university, as I faced the prospect of entering the workforce, I found myself reflecting seriously on my future and the way I wanted to live my life. I realized that I wanted to follow in the footsteps of my father, a veterinarian, by acquiring a practical skill. After much contemplation, I decided that I wanted to pursue a career that combined both creativity and technical expertise. As a result, I visited various fashion schools across Tokyo to learn about clothing design, and based on my intuition when I first visited, I chose to enroll at ESMOD.
Student Life at ESMOD
My time as a student was the most intense and fulfilling period I have ever experienced. Although I had previously sewn as a hobby, I was a complete novice when it came to all aspects of fashion. I learned everything from the very basics—design, pattern making, terminology, and tools. During my student years, I struggled to achieve satisfying results, but I worked tirelessly to improve.
Post-Graduation and Future Vision
After working for three years as a designer at UNIQLO, I launched my own casual fashion brand. In my second year of independence, I was commissioned to create a wedding dress, which resonated deeply with my approach to craftsmanship. This led to a shift toward the bridal industry. Currently, I run a salon in Ebisu, offering rental and custom-made original dresses and tuxedos. My goal is to establish a strong presence for high-fashion in the Japanese bridal industry and expand the choices available for those getting married.