YKK is renowned for supporting and promoting emerging design talent and for its next
exhibition in its London Showroom on Commercial Street, the world’s largest zipper
manufacturer will be hosting Japanese shoe designer Wataru Sato with an interactive
installation this summer.
Sato will be highlighting his ‘Akaito’ collection of sculptural footwear designs featuring red
threads, across the YKK showroom as an installation and a striking window display from July
1 – August 9.
YKK’s showroom in the heart of Shoreditch is a haven for the brand’s extensive collection of
zips and products, and most recently showcased an exhibition by British Asian artist and
activist, Pins, who presented an interactive ‘Zippy Lippy’ installation connecting zippers and
fine art to start a conversation on consumerism, mental health, and social media. Other
previous exhibitions have focused on the brand’s 10-year collaboration with the ITS
emerging designer contest, Chau Har Lee’s evolving shoe collection and Jana Zornik’s
Extra/Ordinary Rituals collection.
Commenting on YKK’s upcoming Wataru Sato installation, Kei Kagami, YKK Europe Limited
Ambassador, said over e-mail: “I first saw his work at the ITS fashion competition in 2015. I
remember I was very impressed by his YKK project with the idea of using an unusual YKK
product called ‘Cosmolon’. It was very interesting and unique and I highly appreciated the
originality, his talent and his attitude.
“Then he sent me some images of his first shoe collection and I appreciated his collection, it
was even more sophisticated and professional, while still showing something edgy and
creative by adding a few conceptual pieces.”
Kagami added: “Then last December, he presented the collection in Tokyo, and when I saw
the pictures of the presentation, it looked more like an installation rather than a collection
and I thought it could be very suitable for the YKK London Showroom so I asked him if he
could do something special for the YKK window display.”
Five Minutes With…Wataru Sato ahead of his YKK exhibition
What can we expect from your first exhibition in London?
Wataru Sato: “I’ll show my previous collection ‘Akaito’ and I have made some objects with
interesting elements. These are related with ‘Akaito’ and it will help to increase the
understanding of my collections back story. I have also used YKK product, as a creator
material, it always inspired me.”
What made you want to be a footwear designer?
“I don’t know what actually, maybe because I didn’t want to be “a designer,” I just wanted to
be “a shoemaker”, but I can’t stop designing, expressing my thoughts and feelings. And now
I am.”
Your shoes have a futuristic and traditional Japanese quality about them – what
inspires your designs?
“I am brimming with curiosity. Many things inspire me, especially from the culture. When I
develop my design I always consider the form, which is making them look futuristic or
something that I don’t imagine with human feet form. And, when I was a child, my
grandmother always made or remade some clothes for me, that’s one source of starting my
craft and how important it is for me.”
Each of your pieces looks very unique – how long does it take to craft your designs?
“The time depends on the collection but for Akaito collection it was around two years. The
reason why I had a gap from the previous collection and the previous one was quite good
because I needed to make it better.”
What’s your relationship with YKK?
“Materials inspire me always. YKK creates fascinating materials for all creators including me.
There are many interesting products in YKK and it stimulates me.”
Are there any collaborations or collection launches on the horizon?
“I’m planning a new collection – it will be shown in November this year in Seoul.”
Who would be your dream collaboration with?
“I can’t think of any particular name now, but I want to collaborate with people from different
genres, like a contemporary artist or novelist.”
The YKK x Wataru Sato exhibition will run from July 1 – August 9 at the YKK on Commercial Street.
Images: courtesy of Wataru Sato
Click Here: cheap shoe stores