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Kotoha Yokozawa
kotohayokozawaGraduated from ESMOD Tokyo and joined Uniqlo Co., Ltd. in 2013. Launched kotohayokozawa in 2015 and received the Newcomer Award at the Mainichi Fashion Grand Prix in 2020. In 2022, unveiled a collaboration model with Converse.
Why I Chose ESMOD
I attended a high school in Nagoya that specialized in fashion. Many of my seniors went on to study at ESMOD, which piqued my interest. At 17, I requested informational materials and attended an open day at ESMOD. One of the things that impressed me most was how ESMOD dedicates an entire year to preparing for the graduation collection. At other schools, the graduation collection is often just part of the regular curriculum, so the level of effort and commitment naturally differs. I wanted to deepen my understanding of my creative preferences and refine my personal vision, culminating in a three-year journey toward a final collection. That’s what ultimately convinced me to enroll at ESMOD.
Post-Graduation Journey
At ESMOD, I spent a significant amount of time mastering patterns, balancing flat and three-dimensional design techniques. Rather than adhering strictly to numerical guidelines, I learned to prioritize individual intuition in the creation process. In design, we created portfolios every three months, integrating sketches, concepts, and detailed designs, which helped me develop strong editing skills. As long as the requirements were met, we were free to explore any form of expression. Success wasn’t determined by artistic ability alone, but by the ability to translate concepts into tangible outcomes and present them cohesively. ESMOD’s emphasis on fostering individuality and allowing students to understand each other’s creative processes is one of its greatest strengths.
Perspective on Today’s Fashion World
When I heard that Uniqlo was recruiting new graduates for the first time in five years, I applied exclusively to them and was fortunate to be hired. I joined the kids’ team, where I assisted in planning a wide range of items—from outerwear and knits to cut-and-sew and undergarments. It was an invaluable year where I gained a comprehensive understanding of the design and production process.
Starting my own brand stemmed from the desire to work with the concepts and ideas that couldn’t be realized at Uniqlo due to its scale. I wanted to build something from those “leftover” ideas. My brand focuses on going “beyond fast fashion” while supporting Japan’s domestic production, which is currently in a critical state. Preserving and revitalizing this production landscape has become an important part of my mission.
A Message to Aspiring Fashion Designers
People pursuing fashion today are truly rare and invaluable. I hope those with a passion for this field never lose their enthusiasm. We’re in an era where starting something new has never been easier. There are still countless untapped opportunities for reimagining how brands operate, how clothes are made, and how fashion is approached. Don’t be bound by traditional methods—trust your instincts and keep challenging yourself to create something new!