Born in Japan in 1988, Tomo Koizumi‘s interest in fashion began from watching his fashion-loving mother in his childhood. His encounter with the book «John Galliano for Dior» in his early years was a very eye-opening event and made him decide to become a fashion designer. He has no formal fashion training and studied fine arts in his hometown Chiba, which is close to Tokyo, but has always had a passion for fashion, getting his hands on every fashion magazine he could.
It only felt natural, that he launched his own brand TOMO KOIZUMI successfully in 2011, after a boutique owner became interested and picked one of his dresses – which he created while he was a university student. He started as a stylist and costume artist assistant, before moving on to his next career step, becoming a costume designer. In February 2019, his very first runway show took place in New York with the support of the world-famous super-stylist Katie Grand, who discovered his works on Instagram, Marc Jacobs, and KCD Public Relations, Inc.
Koizumi came to show his rainbow fantasy gowns at her friend, and long-time collaborator, Marc Jacobs’ Madison Avenue store during New York Fashion Week for F/W 2019 and it became one of the most talked about shows of the seasons. Two of his pieces were also exhibited at the MET museum and the museum bought one of his works for its permanent collection. In April 2020, he was finalist and joint winner pf LVMH 2020 prize. Bright colors and bold silhouettes are the signature of his made-to-order collections and costumes, that international celebrities and artists love.
Thailand-based fashion editor and entrepreneur Nichapat Sop Hap wore one of Koizumi’s designs to the Met Gala in 2019.
Lady Gaga in Tomo Koizumi in 2016
You won’t find Tomo Koizumi’s voluminous pieces in stores. He is not interested in creating for retailers. Instead, he prefers to produce one of a kind creations. Star-studded clientele includes: Lady Gaga, who wore one of his designs on a visit to Tokyo in 2016, Katy Perry and Miley Cyrus. Therefore you will be very excited to read about his collaboration with Emilio Pucci in my next post that is available now!
LoL, Sandra
Photos: © Tomo Koizumi and by WWD/Shutterstock
