« Exposition en cours » Number 2 / Koji Tatsuno :An Exhibited Donation

Azzedine Alaïa was also a collector. Throughout his life, he built up the world’s largest private collection of fashion archives. This collection, now preserved by his foundation, enables us to trace the evolution of fashion and costume from the 19th century to the present day.
As he wished, this museum-like heritage continues to grow in terms of garments and creations.
It is in this context of donation that the presentation of the ten creations designed and imagined by Koji Tatsuno and donated by his daughter Lila takes place.
Originally from Japan, Koji Tatsuno moved to London in 1980 at the age of 18. He devoted himself to antiquities. In 1983, with a friend, he founded a fashion label called “Culture shock”, before opening his own tayloring and bespoke workshop, with the support of designer Yohji Yamamoto.
In 1990, Koji Tatsuno presented his shows in Paris until 2000, and in 1991 participated in the opening of the Corso Como gallery at the invitation of its founder, Carla Sozzani.
Koji Tatsuno’s work is directly in line with the minimalist trends that dictated fashion in the 1990s. He also distinguishes himself by the effort and use of noble or unusual materials, which he combines with dexterity and poetry. A master tailor, he renews the art of pattern-making for his cut models and freely brings in the generous lines of an omnipresent and inspiring nature. Passionate about research and experimentation, he is a trailblazer, using origami to create garments that count among the heritage and history of contemporary fashion.
Koji Tatsuno has confronted other fashion experiences, notably with Paul Smith and John Galliano. He also gave a chance to the young Alexandre McQueen, hiring him to work in his studio, proof of his ever fertile open-mindedness, present in all his creations.

The Foundation would like to thank Koji Tatsuno, Isabelle Peyrut and their daughter Lila for this donation, which significantly and fundamentally clarifies a segment of contemporary fashion design.