The Academy of Art University Special that started on Monday will close tomorrow. In the meantime, let's look at Massa Ito's collection. This interview was originally done for Zoot Magazine.
Academy of Art University BFA Fashion Design graduate Massayuki Ito, better known as “Massa”, infused in his collection architectural and interior design inspirations mixed with the angular silhouettes of traditional Japanese menswear.
Intricate pleating and folds give the garments – made with Japanese kimono fabrics, silk brocades, raw silk and textiles made from bamboo and linen – a modern feel.
Can you tell us more about your background?
Massa Ito: I was born and raised in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, where I attended Alfredo Balthazo de Silveria High School. After high school I attended college near my hometown at Estacio de Sa University, where I studied Interior Design for three years. I then switched from Interior Design to Fashion and moved to the USA to make my dreams of becoming a fashion designer come true.
Who has been the greatest influence on your career choices?
Massa Ito: As a boy, I watched my mother sew, knit, embroider, crochet and paint. I used to try and sneak in to use my mother's equipments and art supplies to experiment when it was left unattended. I knew I was going to work in the design industry since then.
Can you tell us more about your creative process?
Massa Ito: At the beginning of my creative process I sketch to have an idea of shape and silhouette, but when I was working on my senior collection I realised that I was able to develop much more a garment on the dress form. I am very thankful for all support from my 3D instructor Rob Curry.
How did you feel at showcasing your collection at the Academy of the Arts fashion show?
Massa Ito: I felt very happy about showcasing my collection at the Ceremony Awards Show. It was really rewarding to see my designs on the runway and also I felt very proud of my fellow classmates collections. It was a beautiful show. I am very thankful for all support through these years from my family, friends and instructors.
You were born and raised in Brazil, but your collection betrays your Japanese origins, can you tell us more about the main inspirations behind it?
Massa Ito: I wanted my final theses collection – All in Forms – to be very personal, so I decided to revisit my Japanese background. I was inspired by the angular shapes and silhouettes found in traditional Japanese menswear and armour. I wanted to mix strong architectural lines with subtle shapes to give the collection harmony and balance and also to provide the idea of the powerful, yet feminine.
What kind of materials did you use to make it?
Massa Ito: I knew from the beginning that I wanted to play with different textures and combine structure with draping. So, I sourced and used a combination of vintage Japanese kimono fabrics, silk brocades, raw silk, fabric made from bamboo and linen to have a more interesting range of fabrics. I created my own fabrics combining several different materials also from vintage deconstructed garments and embroidery.
What are your future plans?
Massa Ito: I would say that I am ready to start working. I would love to work for a designer or a company to gain experience in the fashion industry, using my creativity and skills.
All images by Randy Brooke
Member of the Boxxet Network of Blogs, Videos and Photos
Member of the Boxxet Network of Blogs, Videos and Photos
http://www.boxxet.com/my/badgeBN.160.30.js?boxxetId=u23036
http://www.lijit.com/wijitinit?uri=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.lijit.com%2Fusers%2Fabnet75&js=1
loving all the flowing textures, shapes and the rich Japanese influence, great work Massa… one for the future!