Kansai Yamamoto (February 8,1944 – July 21, 2020) was a Japanese designer known for his contemporary styling of traditional Japanese fashion. After studying civil engineering he studied English at Nippon University. and eventually started working as a designer in 1968 for Hisashi Hosono Studio. He started his own business in 1971 and, in that same year, he became the first Japanese designer to show in London. That show attracted the attention of the British magazine Harpers & Queen. David Bowie saw his designs on the cover and asked him to design his tour costumes. His Space Samurai jumpsuit was inspired by the hakama, a traditional Japanese men’s garment. Perhaps his most famous costume was the Tokyo Pop black and white jumpsuit, with its flaring circular legs.
After his last collection for fall/winter 1992, Kansai lent his name to many licensed products. He later returned to design traditional Japanese garments in a contemporary fashion – kimono in 2004 and Hanten festival–inspired coats in 2007. He was famous for his super-shows, held around the world to huge crowds, that combined fashion with entertainment.
In contrast to other Japanese designers, his concept of fashion was more Japanese basara (flamboyant and colorful) than wabi-sabi (humble materials and deconstructed silhouettes). He influenced many other designers, especially Nicolas Ghesquiere and Rick Owens.
from a 1970s mohair tunic vest
Courtesy of Hellie
from a 1980s sweater
Courtesy of daisyfairbanks
from a pair of 1980s pants
Courtesy of EBTH.com
from a mid 1980s pants and top set
Courtesy of yumyumvintage
hang tags from a mid 1980s pants and top set
Courtesy of yumyumvintage
