Tetsu, Chris Gibbs, Carol Lim and Humberto Leon Delve Into the Importance of the Vans Era
Tetsu Nishiyama Top 10
Fashion Designer and Founder of FPAR and WTAPS
Profile
Description
Tetsu Nishiyama is a Japanese designer best known for his work with WTAPS and FPAR (FORTY PERCENT AGAINST RIGHTS).
Born and raised in Tokyo, Nishiyama started his first venture FPAR in 1993 at a time when a number of burgeoning labels were eager to make their mark. Using a silkscreen printer, he began producing simple graphic T-shirts embellished with “FPAR,” which drew influences from the principle of anarchism.
In 1996 he decided to focus on establishing a more refined fashion imprint and came up with his second venture WTAPS. Stemming from his passion for utilitarian wear, the name was derived from the military term “double tap” and has gone onto become one of Japan’s mainstay streetwear imprints.
In 2011 Nishiyama opened up the GIP-Store in Shibuya, and maintains creative control of the establishment today.
More recently he announced the launch of his family-friendly DESCENDANT label and a collaborative venture DOUBTFUL AS DOUBLE with fellow countryman NIGO.
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Latest Collections
The four behind WTAPS, Union LA, and Opening Ceremony offer insight into their collaborative designs.
Currently on view at INVINCIBLE.
Littered with box fighting graphics and Kanji calligraphy.
Designed by NIGO, Jun Takahashi and Tetsu Nishiyama.
Designed by himself, UNDERCOVER’s Jun Takahashi and WTAPS’ Tetsu Nishiyama.
Each touch upon some of their most cherished memories about the brand.
TET reworks another classic sneaker silhouette.
Featuring more than 300 archive pieces.
Supreme collabs, Palace, NikeLab ACG, KAWS and more.
More minimal garments with thought-provoking slogans.
