LINER NOTES / GUEST Takao Yamashita
6th Guest: Fashion Designer Takao Yamashita of beauty:beast
The 6th installment of our 4-week talk series.
In Episode #1, we focus on the brand beauty:beast, celebrating its 35th anniversary this season. We hear valuable stories about the many collaborations the brand has undertaken so far, and about the collaborating artists and creators featured in this season's collection.
Episode #2 begins with a discussion of how Takao Yamashita got involved in fashion. Many stories unfold, such as the rebellious spirit he developed in childhood, and his first experience submitting his work to a contest as a student. Don't miss his journey to deciding to pursue fashion as a career.
Episode #3 begins with Takao Yamashita, designer of beauty:beast, discussing when he became a designer and his views on the roles of "designer" and "creator." He delves into how the brand's philosophy is conveyed, the expression of both brands and select shops, and what "individuality" truly means. The conversation further explores his relationships with people in the fashion industry, as well as his opinions and anecdotes regarding the market.
The final episode, Episode #4, begins with Takao Yamashita, designer of beauty:beast, sharing the story of how he met Adam, his friend who worked as a stylist for i-D magazine and The Face.
From there, he shares his first encounter with music and how he became captivated by industrial music. Furthermore, he discusses beauty:beast's future developments and prospects as the brand celebrates its 35th anniversary.
Guest Profile
Takao Yamashita
Born in Nagasaki Prefecture in 1966. Creative Director.
In 1991, he established his own label, "beauty:beast." In the 90s fashion scene, he established a unique style that blended conceptual design with street culture, earning him enthusiastic fans worldwide.
His activities are not limited to fashion, but span various fields such as film, music, interior design, anime, and games. With extensive knowledge and experience in all aspects of apparel and products, from high fashion to sports, workwear, bags, and accessories, he is a multi-creator who directs brands both domestically and internationally.
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【beauty:beast Official Website】
beautybeast.jp
【beauty:beast Official Store】
beautybeast.jp
【beauty:beast Official Instagram
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@aka.beautybeast
Beauty Beast
Takao Yamashita Born in 1966. Began working as a pattern maker for Comme des Garçons in 1990. In 1991, he launched his own brand, "Beauty:Beast," with a focus on denim and knitwear inspired by rave culture in the 90s, using materials and patterns from military and workwear with prints of animals and monsters. In 2005, he temporarily ceased brand activities and launched the "coexistence" project. In 2009, he established the company "Takao Yamashita Design" and resumed brand activities with a theme of "human and beast coexistence" through the brand "Beauty:Beast." In 2011, he launched "BB," a new denim line, and in 2018, he established "AKAAK," a new brand to create "Japanese clothes" through the reinterpretation of traditional Japanese clothing and textiles such as "noragi" and "hakama." In 2021, he launched "BB_2," which explores "Japanese clothing" by incorporating traditional elements into modern knitwear. ___________________________________________ * Official: beautybeast.jp * Store: store.beautybeast.jp * Instagram: @aka.beautybeast
Beauty Beast
Beauty Beast