New Kid On The Block

Ichiro Suzuki may be a fresh face in fashion, but he’s already made a name for himself by reinventing traditional menswear. 

Japanese designer, Ichiro Suzuki pushes the boundaries of what menswear is by creating fascinating illusions and geometric patterned designs. Sam Lorisnieto is styled in Ichiro Suzuki. Photographed by Damien Pothier. Available via IG @chez_ichiro. © All rights belong to their respective owners. No copyright infringement intended.

If you haven’t heard of Ichiro Suzuki by now, it’s time for you to be introduced to the latest designer revolutionizing men's fashion. Since graduating from the Royal College of Art in 2012, the Japanese designer has been making waves by reimaging traditional menswear through unique design techniques. Not only did he master the art of bespoke tailoring, but he was also trained in cutting which allowed him to create one-of-a-kind three-dimensional geometric patterns. Although he never stops experimenting with his designs, Suzuki meticulously adheres to a high level of luxury craftsmanship. 

The menswear designer is constantly finding new ways to reinvent iconic men’s wardrobe staples. In one of his past collections, he created hybrids, combining formal jackets with a trench coat or biker’s jacket, developing an entirely new technique. He was inspired by the Belgian surrealist artist René Magritte in another collection. It helped him create a stunning visual effect that almost resembles magic. This collection might be his most astonishing yet, with patterns that are dripping or melted, and splashes of color that resemble buckets of paint being dumped all over the garments. It’s unlike anything ever seen in fashion, especially menswear. 

The designer feels there is a need to find a common theme between the traditional and the progressive by transforming ordinary pieces into something extraordinary. And it seems the master tailor has proved time and time again with his collections that while it may be difficult to innovate classic pieces of fashion, it’s not impossible. His innovative designs have even helped him gain recognition, earning him the title of “Fashion Collection of the Year” at the International Talent Support (ITS) competition for his debut collection. He’s been featured in Vice and BASIC Magazine, yet somehow still not many people are familiar with him. 

Often when you think of popular menswear brands you think of reliable brands like Brooks Brothers, Ralph Lauren, or Brunello Cucinelli. Most of these brands have been around for decades and have offered little change or deviation from traditional designs in menswear. Suzuki proffers an entirely new style of menswear for people who want something a little more than a regular suit. His style would be perfect for celebrities like A$AP Rocky or Colman Domingo to wear for appearances as both love to push the boundaries of men's fashion.

For his latest collection, Ichiro Suzuki takes inspiration from the theoretical and the experimental, creating an entirely new style. Anton Steinbock is styled in Ichiro Suzuki. Photographed by Damien Pothier. Available via IG @chez_ichiro. © All rights belong to their respective owners. No copyright infringement intended.

Suzuki truly deserves wider recognition from the fashion community and beyond for his innovative contributions to menswear. He continues to develop new techniques and styles, unlike traditional designers who tend to adhere to singular aesthetics. Take his current collection for example, it’s miles away from his René Magritte collection. He released the collection aptly named "Sartorial Studies”, on his Instagram which has been met with glowing reviews- though his views and followers should be higher for someone of his talent. 

When discussing the collection the designer said, “This project translates contradictory fusions from the imaginary realm into tangible adornment.” He often plays with these contradictory sources, inspired to create designs that combine elements from the real and the hyperreal. Suzuki uniquely transforms everyday garments into fantastical pieces that seem like they come from another world. It’s hard for brands to compete with someone who combines fantasy, art, and craftsman tailoring in one garment- it has everyone eagerly anticipating what comes next from the budding designer.