The current location of TAGS working party that responds to the times. | feature

respond to the times
Current location of the TAGS Working Party.

TAGS WKGPTY is rooted in the liberated artistry and sharp message found in graphic culture, and has continued to express itself in unconventional ways. Designer Yoshiaki Morioka has continued to incorporate graphics into fashion, taking into account the context of the times and incorporating a message that responds to the moment. This season, he has decided to collaborate with the Van Gogh Museum in Amsterdam for the second time to produce a lineup of original and emotional items. We took a deeper look into the brand's creative background and into Mr. Morioka's personality, and asked him where he is today.

Photo_Eisuke Asaoka

Text_Takako Nagai

Edit_Yuri Sudo

The future of creativity as seen by the TAGS Working Party.

Who are the creators that you respect?

Morioka:. One person close to me is Mr. Mura, the former president of "M&M". One indicator for me is to keep making things that I am not ashamed to show.

Morioka:. I have long admired Rei Kawakubo. It is not enough to simply make something, but it is important to have the background of what kind of story you want to tell with what kind of thoughts. When I get stuck in design, I often look back at my scraps of articles by Ms. Kawakubo. I am especially inspired by his article "What We Must Aim for After the Earthquake".

Do you think "after the earthquake" is one of the keywords for you, Mr. Morioka, who creates products in response to the times?

Morioka:. I experienced a month after the earthquake when I couldn't get any work done. I couldn't think straight, I couldn't make any progress on my designs, and I felt sick even when I went shopping as a distraction. . . I feel that the great disaster has forced me to think deeply about the role of art and fashion in society.

It seems to me that in the future, things that are not for anyone and are somehow created will be eliminated. Now, even in the midst of another social crisis, I was able to move actively and complete this season's collection because I remember the pain of that experience. As a designer, maybe I have become a little stronger.

What kind of creative development do you plan to do in the future?

Morioka:There are a few projects in progress, but I dare say "no plans". Of course, I am happy for the growth of "TAGS Working Party," and it has taken us 15 years to get to this point. . While I want to dream big in terms of the growth of the brand, there is always the best in each moment of manufacturing. . I always want to enjoy what is in front of me without stretching myself. I believe that maintaining such an attitude leads to true creativity.