Kozaburo Akasaka

Akasaka was born and raised in Tokyo, Japan, and initially studied philosophy at Toyo University.^[1] He later earned a First-Class BFA in Menswear from Central Saint Martins in 2011,^[2] and completed an MFA in Fashion Design at Parsons School of Design in 2016.^[3][4]

Akasaka began his career working under Thom Browne in New York.^[1][5]

He launched his own label, Kozaburo, in 2011 following graduation.^[2] Known for an aesthetic that fuses Eastern philosophy and Western silhouettes through techniques like sakiori weaving, sashiko stitching, and upcycling, Akasaka explores themes of "Mottainai" and Americana.^[6][7]

Akasaka has worked with brands such as Wrangler, Vibram, Snow Peak, and collaborated on sustainability-driven projects like cycora® for SS2024.^[6][8]

Akasaka describes his work as a dialogue between Eastern spirituality and Western formality, presenting garments that celebrate imperfection, sustainability, and tradition merged with modernity.^[5][7][6]

Akosaka is based in New York and frequently travels between Tokyo, New York, and Japan for production and runway presentations.^{[citation needed]}