Motive to apply to TFA

During the 2017 S/S Fashion Week, a select shop in Paris displayed our items in their window display, and we received contact from overseas shops that became interested in our brand from seeing that. But unfortunately, doublet only has exhibitions in Japan, and we were unable to have them see our collection. From this experience, our desire to have people who are interested in our brand actually see it and know of it has risen, and so we decided to apply to TFA, because they offer support to exhibitions in Paris.

How do you feel winning the award?

I was really honored and happy winning such an auspicious award. I will do my best to live up to the expectations of the judges that chose me. And I would like to give thanks to the great support of everyone that I told about applying to this award, everyone involved in this brand, because they helped us in making our best creation, as if to cheer us off from behind. My heart is filled with appreciation towards all these people.

There are many different types of awards around the world. What type of award is the TFA to you?

I’m really not aware of what kind of awards exist around the world so my knowledge is very limited. But I know that compared to doing exhibitions in Japan, the costs of doing overseas exhibitions are so much higher, and to risk such high costs when we are virtually unknown, is extremely difficult. I think it is especially such a big help to be given the support to hold the first and second exhibits, when the level of acknowledgement of our brand is still very low, and the potential of our success is still unforeseeable. And it also provides for triumphant return events. I think TFA is a precious award that interlocks with both domestic and international activities.

How did you feel after seeing the activities of the TFA 2015 & TFA 2016 award winning designers?

I’ve seen senior brands that have already been doing well in both domestic and overseas markets, do even better after being awarded the TFA. I feel pressure in that I must continue with this flow and show definite results, but at the same time, I’m excited to challenge myself and try my very best.

Can we catch a bit of your enthusiasm looking towards the announcement at the Paris Showroom?

I’m just really excited about being given this chance to show our creation and make it known to people around the world. Our creation that we’ve put our heads together to create, and poured our heart and soul into. Putting aside whether our brand is received well or not, above all, I really want to let the world know that in Japan, such a brand exists.