TOMODACHI Generation: Kouichiro Yanga
KOUICHIRO YANGA is a fashion designer originally from Tokyo. After graduating from Toyo University in Japan, he moved to Paris to study pattern making and gained work experience at several French maisons. In 2017, he moved to Vienna to study fashion design at the University of Applied Arts in Vienna, under the direction of Hussein Chalayan. Currently, he works as a freelance fashion designer. He will begin school at the Parsons New School for Design this autumn 2018.
About Kouichiro Yanga
Q1: Why did you apply to the TOMODACHI-UNIQLO Fellowship?
After graduating from Toyo University, I did not know whether I should go to New York for Parsons or Paris for AICP (Académie Internationale de Coupe de Paris), which was the college specialized in pattern design. However, I thought that it’d be difficult for me to go to Parsons due to financial and linguistic challenges, so I felt AICP would be better for me at that time. I eventually decided to go to AICP in Paris, but Parsons continued to stay in my mind. When I was in my second year in Paris, I met Mr. Sho Konishi who studied at Parsons through the TOMODACHI-UNIQLO Fellowship. We hit it off, and he introduced me to other fellows of this fellowship. After listening to their experiences, I decided to challenge myself by applying to the fellowship.
Q2: What are you specifically excited about learning at Parsons?
I spend a lot of time thinking about a concept when I make clothes, so I would like to learn how I can further develop concepts into clothes. While I was in France, I learned two skills: tailoring and industrial pattern. I would like to apply these skills to the way I make clothes and create a good balance.
Q3: What is your goal after completing the program?
I would like to go back to Europe to work in a maison. In the future, I hope I can engage in stage direction or music video production.
Q4: As you will study in the United States as a representative of Japan, how would you like to contribute to the U.S.-Japan relationship as a bridge between the two countries?
Since I do fashion, I would like to share my experiences through my clothes that will be shown through social media while I study at Parsons in New York for the next two years.
