Tomo Koizumi, whose real name is Tomotoka Koizumi, is a Japanese designer with a colorful and voluminous universe. Based in Tokyo, he discovered fashion at the age of 14, with the Christian Dior couture collection, designed by John Galliano, in 2004. Over the years, he has developed his universe as a vibrant tribute to Japanese culture.
In 2011, the young designer launched his brand in Tokyo. In 2019, it was thanks to the journalist and stylist Katie Grand that he organized his first show at New York Fashion Week, within the Marc Jacobs boutique. A show that was acclaimed and propelled Tomo Koizumi to the forefront. The following year, he was a finalist for the LVMH prize. Since then, he has multiplied collaborations with Pucci, Sacai, and will even participate in the tribute show to Albert Elbaz in Paris.
During the opening ceremony of the Tokyo Olympic Games in July 2021, he honored the singer Misia with a voluminous white dress with pastel colors in gradations at the bottom, creating a moment of poetry that traveled around the world in seconds.
This year, Tomo Koizumi had the privilege to be supported by the Italian label Dolce & Gabbana, who invited him to Milan for his first show abroad since the pandemic. A logistical and creative support that will allow the designer to access the archives of the Milanese luxury house. There he found printed silks and corsets made from multicolored ribbons that he recycled. To these recycled objects, Tomo Koizumi grafted ruffled sleeves made of multi-strata rainbow fabrics. He also imagined long tulle trains or puffed sleeves.
Through the creative process, he explores new materials, silhouettes, techniques and colors. From the miles of satin he gathers, the Japanese designer gives life to three-dimensional volumes accompanied by gradations of color like living sculptures, just as he creates, with a base of organza, clouds of ruffles and gathers creating crinoline dresses or oversized harlequin outfits.
“The choice of bright colors, a careful study of volumes, theatricality of forms, couture details, attention to body positivity and an unconventional idea of feminine seduction – all recurring themes in Tomo Koizumi’s artistic production – have fascinated Domenico Dolce and Stefano Gabbana since the young designer’s first creations,” the House emphasizes in a statement.
Tomo Koizumi’s vibrant colors and sculptural silhouettes are followed and worn by international stars like Lady Gaga, Katy Perry, and Kiko Mizuhara.
Thomas Durin