Tsumori Chisato

Chisato Tsumori is perhaps one of the most famous names in fashion both in and outside of Japan. Her designs have been featured in English-language fashion publications such as Elle and Vogue and on popular fashion websites like Style.com. A once protégé of fashion giant Issey Miyake, Tsumori has propelled to the top of the Tokyo fashion world through hard work and talent. Her designs have created a cult following among the young fashionistas on the streets of Japan's cities.

Born in the city of Saitama, Japan, Tsumori Chisato studied fashion at the prestigious Bunka Fashion School in Tokyo. In 1977, she entered the Issey Miyake design company as the head designer for “Issey Sports”, later renamed “I.S. Chisato Tsumori Design”. With this solid apprenticeship under her belt and at the encouragement of Mr. Miyake himself, Tsumori Chisato started her own line in 1990, a collection that made its catwalk debut in Tokyo at the Japan Fashion Week that same year.

Tsumori Chisato’s signature style was soon celebrated with her innovative and luxurious textiles, intricate beading, embroidery, appliqués and prints of her own design. Graceful, elegant and fun at the same time, Tsumori Chisato’s work has been greatly appreciated over the years. The prestigious “Mainichi Newspaper Award” is just one of numerous prizes she has received in recognition of her design achievements.

Having always been proudly international at heart, with a particular penchant for all things French, she chose Paris as the destination for her first free-standing shop outside Asia.

The Christian Biecher designed boutique opened on rue Barbette in 1999. Situated in the heart of the Marais neighbourhood, the boutique showcases Tsumori Chisato’s love for the arts through collaborations with photographers, visual artists and set designers exhibited in the storefront.

Her artistic sensibility is also translated throught the brand’s inventive advertising campaigns.

In 2003, Tsumori Chisato launched her first menswear line and began showing her women’s collection during Paris Pret-a-Porter Fashion Week.