TOSHIKAZU IWAYA

1974      Born in Yokohama

1995      Graduated from Bunka Fashion College in Tokyo, men’s fashion design course

1996      Joined AT ONES’ Co.,Ltd

2002      Launched “DRESSCAMP”, assumed the position of its designer

2004      Awarded:

              “the 22^nd Mainichi Fashion Grand Prix for New Designer ”

              “SHISEIDO Incentive Award”

              “6^th Moët & Chandon Designer Debut”

              Launched items in collaboration with CHAMPION, an US sportswear brand

2005      Formed design alliance with PIAGET, a Swiss watch brand

              Launched items in collaboration with WRANGLER, an US jeans brand

              Launched items in collaboration with CAZAL, a German eyewear brand

              Launched licensed lines of bags and bridal collection

2007      Launched items in collaboration with MCM, a German bag brand

              Launched items in collaboration with TIMBERLAND, an US outdoor brand

              Launched licensed tablewear items

              Participated in designing the package of LARK, an US tobacco brand

2008　  Collaborated with M•A•C, a cosmetic brand

March   Left AT ONES’ Co.,Ltd

              Established IWY Co.,Ltd  

June      Took part in the establishment of a new company, DS Factory Co.,Ltd

              Established the brand “IWAYA FOR DRESS33”and will make his debut in Paris collection on October 5^th

^... See you in Paris ^...

Japan called the country of the Rising Sun, it is one of the leaders in the development of new technologies in many areas. But who would have thought that as the Japanese invade dashing into the world of fashion and, breaking all the stereotypes of European clothing, will make a real revolution in fashion. Impressions of Japanese designers in Paris in 1980 Kavakubor Ray and Yohji Yamamoto in 1981, just stunned everyone. Staying for the majority of fans of exotic fashion, Japanese designers have the rising sun, illuminating a new path in the development of European fashion.

The Japanese have always been famous for their ability to learn and improve ideas, creating a unique style. Experimenting with European clothing , a Japanese designer can create collections that can compete in the most prestigious fashion shows.

Fashion week in Tokyo (2001), where 50 famous fashion designers presented their creations,  Toshikazu Iwaya was recognized as one of the best young Japanese designers. He wowed the public and the press collections, almost entirely made of fabrics with prints. Not every experienced fashion designer dares such a risky experiment, but nobody expected this from a fashion week rookie.

The success of the young designer gave him strength and confidence. In 2002, Toshikazu Iwaya becomes the owner of his own label - «DRESSCAMP» (the name of the label was "just inspiration and the sound of the words"). The first show under his brand label was held at the Fashion Week in Tokyo in the spring of 2003. A year later, he receives a reward "6th Moët & Chandon Designer Debut".

The Japanese designer develops his skills inspired by different eras and styles. His collections can illustrate 60's style Baby-doll mini-dresses, cabaret dancer’s dresses and images from the 20-ies, as if descended from the illustrations of the Russian graphic artist Roman Tyrtov (Erte), also known as the fashion designer of Art Deco. As a material for clothing Iwaya often uses real fur. He makes it unique using bright colors - fuchsia, blue, green blotches. He is one of the few designers who can create both men's and women's collections, which stand out with a great cut and flawless execution. In his men's collections, Toshikazu uses plenty of prints and decorative items.

In June 2012 Toshikazu Iwaya established the brand «IWAYA FOR DRESS33», whose debut collection will be presented Oct. 5 at Fashion Week in Paris. We can only guess how the talented Japanese designer will surprise us. But, I think, as always, it will be something special and inimitable.

In anticipation of the Paris fashion week, we had the opportunity to have a short interview with Toshikazu Iwaya.

- Toshikazu‏-san, why did you decide to become a designer?

As long as I remember, just naturally happened to think to want to be a fashion designer as I have been interested in fashion since I was young.

- Could you tell more about your work in AT ONES’? (You are engaged in the development of prints or something more?) Experience that you got there, helped you?

Development and planning of fabric material, manufacturing control, selling to customers. All the experiences helped me a lot for later creation.

- You sewing and female, and male clothing. As for you - what is more difficult to sew - male or female clothing?

When I started my collection, the collection was only for women's. The start of men's cloth design was just for myself using the some same fabrics of women's. For me, women's clothes are much more difficult. For men's, as I make clothes that I want to wear,  it is not very difficult - very convinced.

- Some of the well-known designers (Japanese, European) influenced your creativity?

Gianni Versace, Karl Lagerfeld, and Christian Lacroix.

- How do you think what is the difference between Japanese school of design and tailoring and European?

Concept making

-  You also make coats of blue and pink fur. You use natural or artificial fur? Why you don’t want to use the natural color of the fur?

I used real fox fur. Of course I liked the real color of the fur but at that time I wanted to make some unique colored basic coats. They were made at an overseas factory.

- What fabrics do you use to create your own collections?

All kinds of fabrics that I liked at that time

- What is your source of inspiration?

Mixture of various images from all over the places.

- What is the meaning that you attach into your work?

I have never thought about that as it is all natural for me

- The tragedy at the Fukushima somehow reflected in your work? (My condolences it is a terrible tragedy for the whole world…)

Yes

- What helps you move forward?

Desire to turn images in my mind into reality

- Why your clothing  brand called a Dress Camp?

Just inspiration and the sound of the words

- For whom do you sewing? What man can afford to have your clothes? what character he should have?

There are not such fixed targets but I would like customers to feel some benefits from the clothes that I make.

- P.S.: In your avatar on Twitter you have a very beautiful and interesting accessory - a crocodile on the ear. It's such a earring? What does it mean?

The main motif of the debut season of DRESS33 was crocodile. The piercing jewelry was specially made for myself at that season.

Russian version and more photos here: 
http://www.infashion.in.ua/do-vstrechi-v-parizhe-2/

Another publication about Iwaya on my blog:
http://tica-t.blogspot.com/2012/05/toshikazu-iwaya-i-m-fan-of-japanese.html