Shinpei Goto, a 34-year-old designer, is exploring the complex notion of heroes and villains. Known for his distinctive androgynous menswear for MASU—often described as edgy yet cute—Goto has captured the attention of a broad audience both in Japan and internationally. Recently, however, he has been confronting some personal challenges, prompting him to question the nature of goodness and evil.
“Just as the last season concluded and I was preparing for the upcoming one, I encountered personal issues that significantly altered my viewpoint,” Goto shared during a showroom tour in Tokyo. Previously, his work frequently featured angels and kawaii cherubs, symbols of purity. Now, he sees these motifs in a more sinister light. “I used to view them as embodiments of virtue, but I now understand that they can also resemble demons,” he explained.
The latest collection draws deeply from Goto’s personal history: the jeans maintain the cut of a well-loved pair he has worn for years, adorned with MASU’s signature diamanté details. His wedding tuxedo, long neglected at the back of his closet, is reimagined as a deliberately crumpled version with drooping lapels. Meanwhile, an Ivy League-inspired argyle sweater is presented with a frayed design, the V-neck creating a heart shape within the diamond pattern as threads unravel.
A checkered tablecloth from a birthday party has been transformed into gingham shirts and skirts, complemented by dusty pink loafers and jewelry in gold and silver, featuring charms of bitten apples—a clear reference to the forbidden fruit and the tree of knowledge. Cowboy motifs are also present, with suede tasseled capes and handbags. “Cowboys embody duality; heroes to some, invaders to others. I used this idea to illustrate how a single figure can represent both sides,” Goto remarked.
The theme of duality, though familiar, is given new life by Goto in this emotionally impactful collection. He examines the symbols that define MASU, offering them from fresh perspectives. True to his style, Goto creates menswear that, while nostalgic, remains modern and forward-thinking. Embracing male vulnerability—and a touch of sparkle—can indeed be a positive force.
