Brand Director, HOSOO, Kyoto
Hosoo Masataka is the innovative brand director of HOSOO, a traditional kimono textile maker based in Kyoto, Japan. Hosoo aims to bring Nishijin-ori weaving techniques and textiles to the forefront of the design and fashion scenes worldwide. Popularised by the nobles of the Imperial Court of Kyoto and the samurai warrior class, Nishijin is a special yarn dyeing and weaving technique developed more than 1,200 years ago; it is mainly used for garments, such as kimonos.
HOSOO’s history can be traced back to the Kyoto silk industry of the sixth century, and today the company has received wide attention both for its exceptional skills within traditional Japanese three-dimensional weaving techniques, and also for applying richly textured Nishijin weaving to contemporary design. Applying innovative business acumen, as well as introducing elements of modern technology to this traditional craft, has allowed Hosoo to establish ongoing relationships with international artists including Teresita Fernández, Sputniko!, Peter Marino, and Lady Gaga, as well as international design firms, such as Louis Vuitton, Gucci, and Dior.