WINNER OF THE 2017 SPECIAL PRIZE

Kozaburoby Kozaburo Akasaka

Originally from Japan, Tokyo, Kozaburo Akasaka travelled to London to study Fashion Design at Central Saint Martins College of Art where he obtained his undergraduate degree. He then gained professional experiences with designers such as Thom Browne.
He became convinced of the necessity to develop his personal aesthetic style in apparel. As a result, he joined the MFA in fashion design at Parsons for his postgraduate degree.
Having grown up during the 90s in Japan, Kozaburo’s aesthetic is heavily inspired by music subcultures and various street styles he was exposed to during that period. His academic and professional backgrounds always prevail when it comes to the quality of garments, fits and finishing.
The timeless design of classic menswear is at the core of his aesthetic. The juxtaposition of high fashion and street culture has come to define the uniquely poetic and contemporary - yet not temporary – style of Kozaburo.