Being called most exciting new comer and anticipated show at this season’s NYFW Men’s. Designer Ryohei Kawanishi’s fashion week debut and second collection for Landlord combines the streetwear and industry uniforms, taking inspiration from artist Isa Genzken and construction workers. This exclusive story features the very first look of the Landlord’s SS17 collection and our conversation with Ryohei. Having graduated from Central Saint Martins and Parsons, from Japan, London to New York. We talk about the things you should know about the Landlord and the things he loves.
On naming the label Landlord…
Our CEO Daniel decided to put this name. He is the manager of a sewing factory and he is also a LANDLORD too. I like the name a lot as fashion label. Because it’s funny and what I made for my graduate collection was made by daily use objects which you can find at home easily.
On finding inspirations…
I used to visit galleries every month when I in London. Unfortunately, I do not have time to do that now. But when I look at art works, I was always thinking about how I can translate the idea into fashion.
On personal influences…
I absorbed as much as i could possible from everything surrounds me. I was born in one of least populous prefecture in Japan, and the place is ritually the countryside. Only thing there is nature like the rice field, mountain, river, sea, etc. So everything that I have seen in London and New York are completely fresh. I think even for now.
On being inspired by Wolfgang Tillmans and Isa Genzken…
Our products are made in our CEO’s sewing factory. His factory is a U.S. Military contact factory, so I want to design something related to military. I started focusing on what Wolfgang Tillmans was wearing in his portraits. His style is what I was thinking to do for LANDLORD. And I choose Isa Genzken was kind of same reason too. Her own style is unique and also, I interested in her’s installation art. She uses a lot of work wear uniforms in her’s installation. As I focused on NYC construction worker’s uniform. Because these are what I see everyday, And thought how I can change into fashion.
On working with Walter Pearce and Akeem Smith…
Me and Akeem has done some project before. He always gives me advice since I was graduated from CSM in 2011. He also helped me in my Parsons graduate collection too. And finally this time we could work together officially. As for Walter, It’s my first time working with him, and I just gave him some short description of what type of people I am looking for. And he cast exactly who I want to work with. The whole team work was great in this season.
On the debut at New York Fashion Week Men’s…
I enjoyed the whole experience. It was my first time for an official show in NYFW.
On favorite exhibition so far…
Francis Alys’s exhibition at Tate Modern.
On favorite artist…
There are too many.
On differences between New York and London…
In New York, people wear more brand clothes. In London, people wear second hand clothes.
On Central Saint Martin and Parsons... I
At Central Saint Martins, students come to school with IKEA bag. In Parsons, students come to school with Louis Vuitton bag.
Photo Credits
Model: Josh Edwards at D1
Photography & Styling: Alex Lee
Hair & Grooming: Desiree Fiorentino
Casting Director & Production: Jae Foo
All clothing Landlord SS2017
