Interview by Marie-Pauline Cesari

We have been fortunate to engage in a conversation with Yusuke Takahashi, the visionary founder and designer behind CFCL, a Japanese brand that embodies simplicity, modesty, and responsibility. With a rich background as the former menswear designer at Issey Miyake, Takahashi brings a wealth of experience to his brand. CFCL, which stands for Clothing For Contemporary Life, adopts a timeless approach, offering 3D, computer-developed knitwear crafted from certified, sustainable polyester yarns and cutting-edge technology. You will find below our conversation, delving into the brand's ethos, design philosophy, and commitment to sustainable and conscious fashion.
During the last Women’s Fashion week in Paris, CFCL organised three mini shows at Le Palais de Tokyo to show the CFCL Vol.7 – Spring/Summer 24 collection.

Where does your passion for fashion come from?

My mother was a fashion journalist who later became a social writer. I became closely connected with the fashion industry. In junior high school, during the Urahara movement in the early 1990’s, brands such as Bathing Ape (Bape)
or Undercover emerged, sparking my interest. Initially, my childhood dream was to be an architect, inspired by my grandfather. However, I later decided to study textile design to have a broader career in interior or fashion design.

Do you think your passion for architecture and your grandfather’s influence helped shape your fashion style as a designer?

Yes, even though I don’t consider myself a fashion designer, my focus has always been on product-making, especially clothing. When choosing a company to work for, I joined Miyake Design Studio due to its unique approach compared to other fashion brands. Working closely with Mr. Miyake, I learned the importance of balancing uniqueness with practicality and societal relevance.

During your time in the studio, what lessons or experiences did you take away that influenced your role as the founder and creative director of CFCL?

Entering the studio directly from university was unique for me. Working closely with Mr. Miyake, I absorbed his mindset and approach to design. The experience was challenging, with Mr. Miyake emphasizing the impact and practicality of clothing. Over ten years, I learned that clothing should be both unique and relevant to society, influencing CFCL’s focus on meaningful designs.

Your brand, CFCL, places a strong emphasis on sustainability. Can you tell us about the importance of the environment in your approach to fashion?

Certainly. My interest in environmental programs, coupled with my appreciation for computer-aided design, influenced CFCL’s direction. We focus on no-waste production using recycled materials. Our knitting technique allows us to control material stock efficiently, ensuring sustainability. By combining no-waste production and recycled materials, we create original clothing.

Your knitwear carries a message of wellness. Do you see your brand as a platform to communicate positive changes in the fashion industry?

Absolutely. CFCL’s emphasis on computer programming in fashion is unique, and we believe it will contribute positively to the industry. While other brands focus on sustainability as a selling point, CFCL integrates sustainability, creativity, and a unique viewpoint, making it stand out.

Where do you find inspiration for your designs?

Our inspiration primarily comes from contemporary life. Recent global changes, such as remote work and technological advancements, influence our designs. We believe inspiration can be found in everyday experiences, reflecting the reality of people’s lives.

As a creative director, what is your vision for CFCL’s future?

Our focus is on developing the CFCL laboratory, incorporating computer programming machines. While we have strong relationships with Japanese factories, our goal is to establish our own factory to enhance creative freedom. We aim to continue producing unique and sustainable clothing, gradually expanding our capabilities.