Koji Tatsuno

Koji Tatsuno was born in Tokyo, Japan, in 1964. Completely self-taught in tailoring, Tatsuno arrived in London as an antique art dealer in 1982, where he gained attention with his shirts made from old kimonos.

He co-launched the design label Culture Shock, based on the 80's temperament of avant-garde Japanese fashion.

In 1987, financially backed by Yohji YAMAMOTO, he launched his own label.

In March 1990 he had his first runway presentation in Paris and, having achieved notice and with the support of Franca Sozzani, editor of Vogue Italy, he enjoyed success.

Tatsuno's garments are like sculptural relief. They are lyrical compositions reflecting his synthesis of modern technology and folkcraft. He has spent his career experimenting with rare craft techniques.

1997, March. Tatsuno was tapped by Joyce Ma, founder and chief executive of the Joyce boutiques of Paris, for a show in the new space that she had just opened for young talents. The title of the exhibition was Koji Tatsuno An elegy to the body and clothes.

In the Summer of 2002, Koji was appointed the chief designer at the venerable house of Madame Gres in Paris. He is reinterpreting her elegant drapes with new techniques.