Setchu, the up-and-coming unisex label founded by Satoshi Kuwata, has been announced as the guest designer for Pitti Uomo 107. The brand will present its first-ever runway show in Florence during the renowned menswear trade show, which takes place January 14th-17th, 2025.
Kuwata, an industry veteran who has worked with several esteemed fashion labels, including a Savile Row tailor and luxury sneaker brand Golden Goose, expressed his honor and emotion at the opportunity to present his collection to an expert audience. “I am honored and emotional to parade Setchu’s first fashion show next January at Pitti Uomo. I look forward to unveiling my collection and sharing it with such a competent audience. I’ll be playing with versatility, timelessness, artisanship and functionality, which are all instrumental in creating something special,” he said.
Kuwata succeeds Marine Serre, Martine Rose and Grace Wales Bonner, among others, as guest designer for the men’s trade fair.
Kuwata’s design philosophy revolves around versatility, timelessness, craftsmanship and functionality, which he believes are essential to creating something special. His languid tailoring and workwear-inspired garments have garnered praise, with items such as foldable jackets in origami-like constructions earning him the prestigious 2023 LVMH Prize for Young Designers.
Born in Kyoto, Japan, Kuwata moved to London at the age of 21 to pursue his passion for fashion. He honed his skills at Central Saint Martins and worked with notable brands such as Huntsman, Gareth Pugh, Kanye West, Givenchy, Edun and Golden Goose before launching Setchu in 2020. Kuwata’s talent has also been recognized by the Camera Nazionale della Moda Italiana Fashion Trust, which awarded him a scholarship in 2023.
“Over the years we’ve become passionate about scouting masters and innovators from the Japanese fashion world,” said Lapo Cianchi, head of communication and events at Pitti Immagine, the trade show organizer. “We continue to scout and promote the new generation of designers offering an original vision of men’s fashion and toying with art, fashion and high tailoring. In Japanese, Setchu defines an equidistant point between the Western and Nippon cultures: different worlds that Kuwata juxtaposes and puts into dialogue with each other with strong eclecticism with a contemporary touch.”
