Atlas of Fashion Designers

239

Hikaru Katano

Hikaru Katano

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Japan is the cradle of the most innovative fashion designers in recent years, talents that can

be characterized by their constant research into textile, technological and aesthetic matters

and their cultural contribution to a West always astounded and amazed by what reaches it

from the Land of the Rising Sun. Within this panorama, Hikaru Katano, with his Share

Spirit label, emerges as something completely diff erent.

After attending Tokyo’s prestigious Bunka Fashion College, he set off for England, driven

by an urge to see the world and learn English, a language which would allow him to realize

his principal passion of traveling and learning about new cultures.

India, Bali, Hong Kong, Morocco, Mongolia, Mexico and Peru are some of the places this

designer has visited, collecting traditional garments, jewelry and ideas as sources of inspira-

tion for his own collections. Yet, in terms of symbolism, this also serves as means for ap-

preciating the passage of time, tradition and the richness of cultural heterogeneity. Indeed,

his designs are a rare thing in fashion today, representing an avenue of escape in a world in

need of ideas and characterized by excessive speed and a frenetic pace.

His Tokyo store is a veritable museum of objects from diff erent parts of the world. Full

of history and symbolism, they are a source of sensations and energy fundamental to his

creative work, the same energy he seeks to transmit in his collections.

Photography courtesy of Hikaru Katano

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Hikaru Katano

Above, an image of a nook of his store

in Japan that houses diverse objects

collected by the designer on his travels

which serve as a source of creative

inspiration. To the right, a sketch done

especially for this book.

Photography courtesy of Hikaru Katano

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Hikaru Katano

Sketch courtesy of Hikaru Katano

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Hikaru Katano

- What inspires you?

Traveling all over the world and meeting people, especially diff erent races. I get incentive from their diff erent sense of

values and culture. Pure things born in the world of nature are what most inspire me.

- What is your dream as a designer?

To spend the richest time—making clothes is the most free and enjoyable for me—not to succeed in the fashion busi-

ness world. I could say it is artistic clothes. I have been trying to spend ten years making just one piece of clothing.

- What has been the most important achievement of your career?

To continue working as a designer for twenty years, the people who support me and “connection.”

- How important are trends?

I suppose trends are needed by the world. My “trends” are spiritual.

- Fashion has always refl ected a certain era. What does fashion refl ect in the twenty-fi rst century?

More artistic clothes are needed by people, and I wish it could be. I feel the recent fashion scene pursues too much

business and profi t. Philosophy and ideas have to be needed by fashion companies and designers, and it becomes strong

message to people.

- What book would you recommend to every fashion designer?

First Seen—Portraits of the World’s Peoples. Avedon—Photographs, 1947–1977.

Hikaru Katano

14-10 Hachiyama-cho, Shibuya-ku

Tokyo 150-0035

Japan

www.sharespirit.jp

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Hikaru Katano

Graphic design by Lissajous