Yusuke Takahashi: Redefining Fashion with Knit-ware Handbuilt
When Vogue Business featured CFCL designer Yusuke Takahashi as one of this year’s 100 Innovators and Sustainability Thought Leaders, the fashion world took notice. Two years ago, Takahashi’s brand became the first apparel company in Japan to achieve B-Corp status. Today, at the Palais de Tokyo, attendees had the opportunity to witness the unveiling of Takahashi’s latest collection, Knit-ware Handbuilt, which is set to redefine the future of fashion.
Knit-ware Handbuilt is a fusion of state-of-the-art 3D computer knitting techniques and traditional handiwork that has been passed down through generations across various cultures. Takahashi revealed that his inspiration for this collection stemmed from his exploration of the writings of French social anthropologist Claude Lévi-Strauss, who believed that culture is dictated more by the mind than the environment.
Delving into traditional crafts such as pottery, hand-dyeing techniques, and textiles from his travels through India, the Silk Road countries, and Southeast Asia, Takahashi’s designs are a testament to his commitment to preserving heritage while pushing boundaries. The collection pays homage to the craftsmanship of the past while embracing a vision for the future.
Set against a live performance by the Slovenian experimental folk-acoustic band Å irom, known for crafting their own instruments, Takahashi’s pieces showcased a blend of innovation and tradition. A focus on flatness led to seamless tops that hugged the body with precision, while ikat and chusen dyeing techniques were reinvented in vibrant hues.
However, it was the handiwork that stole the spotlight. Crochet patchwork, created entirely by hand without the use of machines, added a touch of editorial flair to the collection. From rosette-covered bralettes to intricate fringe details on dresses, each piece exuded a sense of artistry and craftsmanship.
One standout piece was a sleeveless black dress with a fringed skirt, featuring over 2,300 hand-threaded tabs in tiers. Not only was the dress visually stunning, but it was also designed to be practical for everyday wear, being machine washable and easy to repair. Takahashi’s commitment to sustainability and functionality shines through in every detail of his collection.
