Exploring the Moon and Nostalgia with Shinya Kozuka

When Shinya Kozuka visited his family in Osaka for the New Year’s holiday, he spent a lot of time thinking about the moon. His late grandfather, a hobbyist photographer, had pictures of Kozuka as a child hanging on the wall, as well as red carnations that Kozuka had made on a sewing machine for Mother’s Day 20 years ago. “When I saw them, I had a feeling similar to what I get when I look at the moon. I thought, ‘oh, the moon is floating in my room’,” he explained.

Fast forward to a balmy July evening at the Tokyo Science Museum, where Kozuka unveiled a moon-soaked, somnambulant collection that captured the romantic loneliness of the small hours. The show opened with white gradients of moonlight illuminating black button-up shirts and tailored trousers, eventually giving way to toweled dressing gowns adorned with beaded embellishments and crimson carnations.

As the collection progressed, aprons and coats embroidered with tapestry landscapes and whimsical motifs took center stage. Swans, picture frames, and tiny yellow moons reminiscent of bananas populated the clothing, evoking a sense of rustic nostalgia. Wallpaper floral pajamas, calico chore coats, and faded red striped shorts added to the pastoral charm, while strawberry-colored gingham and needle-punched details lent a worn-in feel.

Kozuka’s enduring love for the moon, wintertime, and city strolls shone through in every piece. “These are themes I think I’ll use forever. If I’m asked to choose between the sun and the moon, I’ll choose the moon, and if I’m asked to choose summer or winter, I’ll choose winter,” he shared. “I’m drawn to dark things.”

His ability to transform personal, surreal ideas into stylish and wearable clothing is a testament to his talent. The oversized silhouettes and whimsical details strike a balance between fantasy and reality, appealing to a wide audience. With an expanding list of stockists and plans for a European runway show on the horizon, Kozuka’s moon-inspired creations are set to shine even brighter.

In his show notes, Kozuka mused, “The moments when fashion moves me are rarely driven by logic. They’re vague, abstract, hard to explain—and I’ve come to believe that’s what makes them powerful.” His unique approach to design continues to captivate audiences, promising a future filled with celestial wonders and nostalgic charm.