By Christine Suppes

Photographed by Gabriel Karanfil

According to the Fédération Française de la Couture Tsumori Chisato was born in Japan and studied fashion at the famous Bunka School. In 1977 she began working with Issey Miyake as head designer for “Issey Sport”, later renamed “I.S. Chisato Tsumori Design”. In 1990 she began her own collection (Tsumori Chisato) and had her first fashion show in Tokyo. She has won many awards. The designs are simple in cut and are personalized by handmade materials and fabrics, costume jewelry, embroideries and original prints. In spring 2003 she introduced a menswear line and in October 2003 debuted her women’s line in Paris. This season she incorporates trompe-d’oeil and colorful folkloric touches from countries known only to her. Her work is original, personal and highly couture.

>More