Who is Satoshi Kuwata, the Japanese winner of the 2023 LVMH Prize?

On Instagram, Setchu may be a secret brand with its roughly 8,600 followers. This is in contrast to a wave of big-name fashion labels that already enjoy little digital notoriety before winning the tympanum. But among the star-studded jury of the LVMH Prize, whose members come from the group’s leading brands (Jonathan Anderson, Maria Grazia Chiuri, Nicolas Ghesquière, Marc Jacobs, Kim Jones, Nigo, Stella McCartney and Silvia Venturini Fendi), there is. there was no doubt. Japan’s Satoshi Kuwata, who heads the winning brand, is a talented designer who has already proven himself well. At the age of 39, he even has a long experience in the field. He cut his teeth at Huntsman in Savile Row while studying at Central Saint Martins, then Gareth Pugh in London, Kanye West and Givenchy in Paris, and finally Edun in New York and Golden Sag in Milan. “As soon as I saw his work, I was convinced that we have a winner. I really believe in his philosophy and the vision of his brand, explains Maria Grazia Chiuri, artistic director of Dior’s women’s collections and member of the jury. It’s not just about the clothes, it’s also about her experience and her creative approach.”

Behind the scenes of the 10th edition of the LVMH Prize

Born in Kyoto, Japan, Satoshi Kuwata moved to London at the age of 21 to pursue a career in fashion. In 2020, he launched his unisex brand Setchu, wanting to make his creations a bridge between Japanese and Western concepts while respecting the craftsmanship of different cultures. Thus, in his wardrobe, we will see that the classic jackets of the western dress, which have passed through the hands of the designer, become foldable thanks to the construction made in the form of origami. It’s intriguing, it’s chic, and it’s functional (doesn’t fold). His vision of elegance is also laid out in details such as removable collars that become interchangeable, and buttoning play. Here it is about maintaining the silhouette, reflecting a constant style, playing on several rotations, so that the clothes do not change every season.

Terrible childhood

“In my childhood, I was fierce. My mother was worried about me. I’m going to make her happy now,” said Satoshi Kuwata after receiving his award from actress Gal Gadot, guest of honor at the edition, which took place at the Louis Vuitton Foundation in Paris. The designer also left with 400,000 euros and a one-year mentorship at LVMH. Inflation has gone this way. the donation has been revised by 100,000 euros, compared to previous editions. “It’s a big event in my life. This award will obviously help me grow my brand financially.”