In February 2021, Yusuke Takahashi will launch his very own fashion label, Clothing for Contemporary Life, or CFCL.
This is the acclaimed Japanese designer’s first venture on his own. Takahashi previously served as the artistic director for menswear at Issey Miyake.
CFCL is to be rooted in easy-to-wear pieces, sustainability, and a genderless spirit. “The foundation of my design process always starts with examining how people live. The world is filled with so much diversity and ways of living, and I wanted my clothes to be one of the elements to be able to support and enrich people’s daily lives,” shares Takahashi.
When it came time to found his own fashion label, Takahashi knew that there was one unique aspect of fashion he wanted to incorporate: computer-programming knitting.
That’s right, the knitwear pieces that comprise his first CFCL collection were developed using modern computer technology. More specifically, each piece is made through 3D, computer-generated technology that uses sustainable yarns.
This computer engineered production process is inherently much more environmentally-friendly than the typical production process that fashion brands use. In addition, CFCL intends to use recycled and repurposed materials for all of their pieces, and be open and transparent about every aspect of their supply chain.
Pieces are designed without a specific gender in mind and are thus made for everyone. Consumers can expect bold silhouettes and solid, bright colours that take inspiration from nature. Hues include everything from yellow and orange to olive green and white.
Don’t expect any statement pieces, however, because Takahashi is a firm believer in the person wearing the piece and not the other way around. “There are no eye-catching statement details,” Takahashi says. “I wanted the garment to compliment the wearer, not overpower them.”
Jackets, dresses, tops, trousers, skirts, and more will make up the core collection. The idea behind CFCL is that every piece can be mixed and matched, layered and built upon.
All images in this article are courtesy of Clothing for Contemporary Life
