Global Fashion Collective NYFW SS24 - Interview with Masaru Hoshi of HOSHI (Japan)

Please share a bit about your journey to embrace fashion design as a career.

After graduating from fashion school, I got involved in creating stage costumes and ballet outfits. Following that, I went to France and spent three and a half years as an assistant to a designer showcasing at Paris Fashion Week. Upon returning to Japan, I worked as a corporate designer for three years before venturing out on my own to establish my brand. Since 2011, my brand has been focused on wedding dresses. I am specializing in that niche.

How did you learn your skills?

I learned my skills in the fashion program at Bunka Fashion College in Tokyo.

Who are you as a designer? 

I believe it's crucial to nurture a unique sense through curiosity and a spirit of exploration. Maintaining individuality as a brand and resonating with customers who connect with that uniqueness is essential.

What comes easiest for you as a designer? What is hardest?

I excel in the entire process from design to pattern-making and sewing, and I'm particularly skilled in creating dresses through custom orders.

Where do you find inspiration for new collections? How important is colour to your design process?

The inspiration for the new collection comes from three distinct scenes: rock concerts (a concert venue), nature (outdoors, forests), and evening gatherings (soirees). The color white holds a special significance, as 80% of the collection is dedicated to it.

Readers would love to hear about the collection you will be showing on the runway at New York Fashion Week SS24 in September? Inspiration, fabrics, palette, etc.?

The theme of the new collection is "Revival and Regeneration." Reflecting on past dress designs, I revived new insights from them and rejuvenated them by reimagining and remaking those previous dresses. The fabrics include original embroidered fabric made from organic cotton, patchwork using fabric scraps, quilted fabric with traditional Japanese patterns, and fabric dyed in black using natural plant dyes – all crafted from organic cotton, which is a cornerstone of the brand. Additionally, I've incorporated hand-embroidered silk fabric into the collection.

Do you have a favorite look in this collection?

I primarily emphasize ribbons, creating new forms such as ribbon bead embroidery, sleeves shaped like ribbons, and a train on the back styled as a ribbon.

Where can readers purchase your designs?

Readers can purchase my designs on my website at www.hoshi-dress.com.

What's next for you as a designer?

I am working on building a global brand.

Links -

• Website - www.hoshi-dress.com/
• Instagram -@hoshi_dress
• Youtube - www.youtube.com/@hoshidress
• Twitter - @hoshi_dress

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Hoshi will be presenting their latest collection in the Global Fashion Collective show at NYFW SS24 on Sept. 11, 2023 at 4 p.m. This show is by invitation only. Please contact Global Fashion Collective for more information at info@globalfashioncollective.com