Yohji Yamamoto

Yohji Yamamoto (1943) is a renowned fashion designer celebrated for his innovative and unconventional clothing style. Raised by a mother who worked as a dressmaker to support their family after his father's death in the war, Yamamoto's passion for fashion led him to pursue studies in the field, diverging from his initial path toward law school. In 1976, Yamamoto joined forces with his partner Rei Kawakubo, a pioneer in avant-garde fashion. Together, they launched their first women's collections under the "Yohji Yamamoto" label in Paris (1981) and New York (1982), followed by their debut men's collection in Paris in 1984. The brand's fashion ethos blends elegance with functionality, fusing classic streetwear for men with elements inspired by work attire, uniforms, and traditional Japanese aesthetics. Women's fashion prioritizes everyday wearability over extravagant designs, often featuring asymmetrical and oversized silhouettes for a unique appeal. In addition to avant-garde fashion, "Yohji Yamamoto" also designs costumes for Japanese festivals and prestigious theatrical productions. Notably, the label has crafted stage costumes for renowned opera performances such as "Madame Butterfly" in Lyon (1990) and "Tristan und Isolde" in Bayreuth (1993). Since 1996, "Yohji Yamamoto" has ventured into the world of fine fragrances, offering a range of perfumes for both men and women, with a focus on feminine scents. Each fragrance captures the brand's distinctive blend of sophistication and artistic flair, embodying the essence of Yohji Yamamoto's distinctive fashion aesthetic.