FACETASM Shares Its 2017 Fall/Winter Collection and Its Key Inspirations

A graduate of Japan’s renowned Bunka Fashion College (Kenzo Takada and Jun Takahasi are other alumni), Hiromichi Ochiai is the 40-year-old face behind FACETASM — a brand which has long stayed relatively under-the-radar. It has counted on a cult following in Japan, until Giorgio Armani himself handpicked Ochiai to show at Milan Men’s fashion week in 2011. Then, just last year, FACETASM was nominated for the prestigious LVMH Prize — the first Japanese label to have that honor. Not only that, but Ochiai made a splash in Paris, showing his brand at Paris Fashion Week for the first time ever last June.

This year, FACETASM celebrates its 10th anniversary and we’ve linked up with Ochiai just in time for his 2017 fall/winter show. The collection was inspired by different identities and multi-culturalism — evident by the designer’s use of models from a range of ethnicities. This mish-mash can also be seen in the looks that walked down the runway. From a kaleidoscope of prints to a myriad of textures put together, the looks were lessons in layering and matching things that don’t look like they go together — but somehow work in the end. Ochiai was particularly inspired by an image from P.A.M., depicting a lone fold-out sofa strewn across a parking lot surrounded by trash. This unlikely inspiration was called “GOOD MORNING,” and set the tone. Check out the collection above and read our Q&A with the designer below.

You moved your fashion show to Paris just last year. What are the main differences between hosting a fashion show in Tokyo and in Paris?

Nothing has changed at all. We would not have chosen to come to Paris if we were going to change.

What were your main inspirations for the collection this season?

The image [above] a graphic that P.A.M made for us with the theme “GOOD MORNING.” It really expresses our season’s theme.

What do you think about when you cast the models to walk in your show? Does this change every season depending on the inspirations behind the designs?

When I cast new models, I think about the relationship between them and the brand. So I always think about new relationships and whether they will fit the image. And yes it changes every season.

This is the 10th year since you founded FACETASM, do you have any special releases or celebrations coming up?

Please look forward to it! There will be lots of special releases coming.

How would you describe FACETASM’s aesthetic this season?
Multi-identity, multi-culture.