Satoshi Kuwata

Satoshi Kuwata is a Japanese fashion designer. In 2023, he was awarded the LVMH Prize for his work. He is based in Milan where he founded Setchu in 2020, a fashion brand that is inspired by Japanese and British fashion. He holds the position of creative director at his design firm Setchu.

Early life and education

Kuwata was born in Kyoto, Japan in 1983. At the age of 21 he moved to London. He studied as Central Saint Martins before apprenticing on Savile Row.

Work

His work incorporates convertible clothing such as bags that transform into skirts and coats that can become capes; as well as complex folded garments similar to origami forms. Two of his material innovations include the use of sugarcane waste to create a denim like fabric and inventing a type of washable cashmere wool, both of which are practical and sustainable.
Prior to founding Setchu, he worked for Gareth Pugh and Givenchy, and has worked as a guest designer at other fashion houses, including Pitti Uomo.