After a brief two-year departure from the scene, Tomo Koizumi is making a return to the fashion industry. “I initially thought about exploring other forms of art, such as painting,” the designer shared via video from China. While he did put on a gallery exhibition in Tokyo during his hiatus, the magnetic pull of fashion was undeniable, spurred in part by frustration over seeing imitators reproduce his tulle creations. He has now come up with a spark of inspiration aimed at brides: encouraging them to express their unique personalities through vibrant colors.
“Neutral tones are quite dull. A wedding should be the moment for the bride to truly shine,” he stated, noting that he received numerous inquiries from brides globally in recent years but had been unable to fulfill them until now. He believes the time has come to tap into the Asian tradition of renting bridal dresses, allowing for bold hues, voluminous shapes, and the liberty to mix and match pieces at will. “It’s not just a sustainable and more economical option, but it gives brides a chance to step outside their everyday life, which I find wonderful,” he added.
Koizumi’s initial offering is modest, featuring a curated selection of voluminous skirts crafted from around 80 meters of Japanese organza, alongside decorative bustiers, some of which are repurposed from traditional kimonos that have fallen out of favor with brides. An added benefit of these creations is their versatility—they can be worn for various occasions, from formal gatherings to red-carpet events.
For the time being, the designer intends to release one collection per year, adhering to a more deliberate approach to fashion. In addition, he is concentrating on standout accessories, such as a doughnut-shaped sateen purse that draws inspiration from puff sleeves and long gloves adorned with 3D-embroidered roses. Last month, he launched a sneaker collaboration with Nike at Dover Street Market in Ginza, featuring an iridescent upper, interchangeable Swooshes, and playful attachments like ruffles or sparkles for added charm. This collaboration also introduced him to a new pastime: after meeting Jamaican sprinter Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce during the campaign shoot, he now runs 5 to 7 kilometers each day. “It allows me to explore the city, wherever I find myself. Plus, it’s a preferable alternative to hitting the gym,” he remarked.
