Matsuda

Mitsuhiro Matsuda was born in 1934, in Tokyo, Japan. He graduated from Waseda University in 1958, and received a degree in fashion design from Bunka College of Fashion in 1961.

After traveling to Paris with fellow designer, Kenzo in the mid-1960s, he returned alone to Japan and launched his company, Nicole Ltd. in 1971.

In 1974, Matsuda became one of the founders of TD6 (Tokyo Designer Six). The collective’s objective was establish Tokyo as a center for fashion creativity and created Tokyo’s first official fashion week. 

He introduced divisions Monsieur Nicole, in 1974, Madame Nicole in 1976, Chambre de Nicole in 1978, formed Matsuda USA, and opened his New York City store in 1981. His Hong Kong store opened the following year, and a Paris boutique opened in 1987.

Matsuda became known for melding art and architecture with fashion. To this end, his ready-to-wear and eyewear collections and collaborations with renowned artists created quite a stir, further enhancing his reputation as an innovator.

In the mid-1990s Matsuda sought to expand its brand throughout the U.S. and Europe, hiring menswear designer Yukio Kobayashi to oversee all of the brand’s women’s labels. 

This change coincided with Matsuda concentrating on designing eyewear, which remains the current focus of the company.

Written by Ranch Queen Vintage

from a 1990s men’s shirt

Courtesy of ranchqueenvintage