Request materials
ALUMNI
Yasuko Furuta
TOGAYasuko Furuta transferred from ESMOD Tokyo to ESMOD Paris. She launched TOGA in 1997. In 1999, the brand debuted its collection in an exhibition format and began participating in Paris Fashion Week in 2006. TOGA has received numerous accolades, including the prestigious ANDAM Award from the French National Association for the Development of the Fashion Arts in 2007 and the Mainichi Fashion Grand Prize in 2009, earning widespread acclaim both in Japan and internationally. Since 2014, TOGA has shifted its presentation venue from Paris to London.
Why I Chose ESMOD
I was drawn to ESMOD for its ideal size and the atmosphere of its buildings. Compared to other schools, some felt overly flashy, while others seemed too plain for me. ESMOD struck the perfect balance. I was also inspired by the natural presence of international instructors, which added a unique dynamic. Many Japanese fashion schools originated as sewing schools, so their culture tends to differ significantly from ESMOD’s. At the time, the dominant fashion landscape was defined by the dichotomy of “mainstream versus underground.” Being part of that environment allowed me to explore Vivienne Westwood’s cultural background and visit Comme des Garçons’ flagship store, where I saw designs unlike anything I had encountered before. This exposure sparked my interest in creating clothes that didn’t simply aim for beauty but instead sought to challenge conventions.
Student Life at ESMOD
The students at ESMOD were far more unique and individualistic than I had anticipated. I remember struggling to make friends at first because everyone had such strong personalities. Looking back, each student was distinct in their own way, and this group of “sharp-edged kids” eventually transformed into irreplaceable friends over time. Some of those friendships have lasted to this day. It was a privilege to have the freedom to spend so much time thinking exclusively about clothing, and I fully embraced that freedom during my time at ESMOD.
When I studied abroad at ESMOD Paris, it was the golden era of Rei Kawakubo and Yohji Yamamoto. I passionately snuck into their shows, marveling at silhouettes I had never seen before. I also recall how Japanese students received special recognition at the school, thanks to trailblazers like Kawakubo, Yamamoto, Kenzo Takada, and Issey Miyake. Their influence had opened doors for the next generation.
Post-Graduation Journey and Future Vision
From the start, I envisioned TOGA as an international brand. The overseas market has always been rewarding because there’s always a reaction to what you create. In Europe, there remains an expectation for Japanese designers to reflect their roots in their work. My time at ESMOD Paris helped me understand this deeply. Being in Japan, I wouldn’t have felt the same need to confront my identity. Paris, with its diverse population and rich mix of cultures, forced me to recognize myself as Japanese and embrace that identity. This self-awareness was a crucial lesson I gained during my ESMOD years and continues to shape my approach to fashion today.