Tatsuro Horikawa: NUANCES of JULIUS | Hypebeast

It seems that you’re a big fan of tattoos, can you explain some of the pieces?

Most of them are influenced by African spiritual music and an African priest who once gave me a blessing wrote these words on my forearm. He wrote on my right hand as he said it was my creation tool. In total, I have seven tattoos and I find it interesting that as a designer, I’m also offering my body as a blank canvas for others. I also feel tattoo is a form of protection.

Is the concept of Zen a crucial element to your work?

Definitely. The idea of Zen and its sculptural and architectural influences have made a huge impact in my work and lifestyle. Yin and Yang is also of huge importance to me. On one hand, Zen represents an important part of my life and on the other hand Punk and Hardcore music also have their place. Both are extreme opposites but yet they come together in harmony in my work. This shop was also created to reflect the idea of Zen, but together there are punk elements within the space.

How do you see designers such as Yohji Yamamoto, who is also inspired by Zen?

I very much admire Yohji san and also Rei Kawakubo of COMME des GARCONS. Both have had huge impacts to the fashion industry and also changed the way we see fashion today.

You’ve kept a very low-profile over the years, has this been based on your personality or because you see the team as the designer of the brand?

You’re definitely right, I don’t want to see myself as the star of the label, as all of us contribute to the designs. Without the team, there would be no JULIUS.

What is the perfect tone of black?

The perfect black is the deepest black. A black that has depth and nuances.