Fashion designer Yoshikazu Yamagata, known for his narrative-driven collections under the label writtenafterwards, unveiled his latest exhibition entitled It’s Alright To Be Here. The exhibition delves into Yamagata’s creative journey, highlighting his unique approach to fashion expression that blends nostalgia, humour and ironic commentary on contemporary social issues. Through the lens of coco, which symbolises both here and individual, Yamagata explores fashion as a refuge amidst societal challenges such as environmental damage and social division.
Hosted at the Arts Maebashi building, the exhibition unfolds Yamagata’s story in six chapters, showcasing his evolution as a designer deeply connected to local history, lifestyle and culture. As the founder of coconogacco, an experimental design school, Yamagata’s commitment to nurturing future designers is evident, reflecting his belief in fashion as a tool for self-examination and social critique.
With writtenafterwards symbolising an “afterword” or postscript, Yamagata’s exhibition goes beyond the conventional fashion showcase. In the underground space of Arts Maebashi, visitors will encounter Yamagata’s reflection on the chaotic landscape of 2024, offering a thought-provoking insight into the intersection of fashion, society and individual expression. Don’t miss the opportunity to explore this immersive journey through the visionary world of Yoshikazu Yamagata from April 27th to June 16th, 2024.
And for those who want to immerse themselves in Yoshikazu Yamagata’s artistic universe, we invite you to read our interview with him in our second issue.
All photography by SHINYA KIGURE
