Mainichi Fashion GP winner Yusuke Takahashi aspires to contribute to society

TOKYO -- Yusuke Takahashi, the representative and creative director of CFCL, emerged victorious in the 2026 Mainichi Fashion Grand Prix. Alongside him, Terumasa Nakajima of TELMA was awarded the Newcomer's Prize. These accolades are part of the 44th edition of the awards organized by The Mainichi Newspapers Co. and backed by the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry.

Yo Shitara, president of Beams Co., was honored with the Amiko Kujiraoka Memorial Award, while the People's Choice Award went to Descente Ltd.'s New Mizusawa Factory. The awards ceremony is scheduled for October 20 at Otemachi Mitsui Hall in Tokyo's Chiyoda Ward.

CFCL has made a name for itself by challenging the traditional understanding of knitwear, creating innovative designs such as a dress with a three-dimensional flare and a sleek jacket that stretches. Their success is not solely based on design; they employ 3D computer-knitting technology to reduce waste in production. Their yarn, crafted from recycled polyester, is both durable and easy to maintain.

Since its inception in 2010, CFCL has expanded from having no directly operated stores to now holding 10, with a global presence including official participation in Paris Fashion Week since 2022.

Takahashi's fascination with fashion began in junior high school, later evolving into a passion for design after he studied abroad at Goldsmiths College in London at the age of 20. His experiences studying in London introduced him to the Young British Artists, a group that epitomized rebellion and creativity. Following his return to Japan, Takahashi discovered computer-programmed knitwear at Bunka Fashion Graduate University.

The ability to create three-dimensional garments from computer programs without sewing or patterns revolutionized his perspective on fashion. In 2010, he joined Miyake Design Studio as a new graduate, where Issey Miyake imparted to him the societal significance of clothing.

Takahashi's brand philosophy is rooted in questioning the traditional fashion industry's exploitative practices, particularly in the context of globalization and wage disparities between countries. He believes that even with minimal cost for computer knitting, small factories can operate in urban areas with higher labor costs, fostering local production and consumption.

This September, Takahashi released the brand's first book, showcasing CFCL's aesthetic sensibility through over 200 photographs. He emphasizes that true beauty in clothing extends beyond appearance, advocating for ethical practices throughout the production process.

His ultimate aim is to demonstrate that CFCL is indeed a genuine fashion brand amidst the many competitors in the industry. Despite facing challenges at the industry's forefront, Takahashi is resolved to present a new form of fashion. For him, winning the Mainichi Fashion Grand Prix, particularly the Newcomer's Prize, serves as a significant starting point for achieving this vision.