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Akira Hasegawa
Clothing CuratorGraduated from ESMOD Tokyo, receiving the Best Men’s Collection Award for his graduation work. After working as a modelist at an apparel company, Akira Hasegawa became independent in 2016. He organized and led the traveling exhibition Semi-Deconstruction, showcasing work across Japan. Centered on the concept of ‘Passing on the emotions of 100 years ago to 100 years from now,’ he deconstructs garments from the French Revolution to around World War II, creating detailed clothing specimens.
Why I Chose ESMOD
From the time I was in 3rd and 4th grade, I had already decided to pursue a career in fashion. I started by drawing patterns on my own and making a Boston bag with a sewing machine at home, which naturally led to my growing admiration for fashion. During high school, my older brother, who lived in Tokyo, introduced me to various fashion school open campuses. Since I liked vintage clothes, a friend who owned a vintage store recommended ESMOD to me. I was drawn to the small class sizes and the close proximity to the teachers, and the fact that many students were older and had university degrees convinced me to enroll.
Post-Graduation Journey
In my third year, I was deeply moved when I learned how to make suits from my menswear instructor, Mr. Kakita. I was amazed by bespoke tailoring, where making one suit can take dozens of hours. It made me realize that there is a whole other level of craftsmanship in clothing making. Around the same time, I found a 100-year-old French firefighter’s uniform in a vintage shop in Koenji. It had such a captivating aura that I couldn’t resist tearing it apart that night. As I deconstructed the uniform, I was overwhelmed with emotion. Despite being just a work uniform, the craftsmanship, including the hand-stitched details, was astonishingly similar to the bespoke suits Mr. Kakita had taught me to make. It was a moment that changed the direction of my life.
Perspective on Today’s Fashion World
I have always loved pattern-making and sewing, so after graduation, I worked in garment production. However, I felt that ready-to-wear alone was not enough, so I continued attending Mr. Kakita’s atelier while working. In 2016, I decided to become independent, coinciding with the 350th anniversary of the creation of the modern suit, which was born in 1666 with Charles II’s clothing reforms. This year marked the birth of the concept of today’s suit—long trousers, long sleeves, shirts, vests, and ties. As someone who has always been supported by the art of suit-making, I wanted to give back to the world of fashion. During my first three months of independence, I held solo exhibitions. I deconstructed vintage clothing from the pre-, mid-, and post-French Revolution periods, displaying the parts and pieces. I even allowed people to touch a French men’s suit, “Habit à la Française,” which I had purchased from a museum. Through my exhibition, titled “Semi-Deconstruction,” I aim to share the beauty of vintage clothing and my theme of “Passing on the emotions of 100 years ago to 100 years from now.”
A Message to Aspiring Fashion Designers
My advice is to do what you love, wholeheartedly. When you’re young, throw yourself into what you’re passionate about and truly delve into it.