NZ-Japanese fashion designer, Takaaki Sakaguchi is broadcast on national Japanese television
Footage of Takaaki Sakaguchi’s Air New Zealand Fashion Week preparation and show was broadcast on national Japanese
television last night during prime time viewing.
Shown on TVS one of Japan’s leading television networks, the show highlighted the growth and expansion of one of Japan’s
top designers now doing business out of New Zealand. The 30 minute footage which featured work and lifestyle elements of
a rising star of New Zealand fashion was focused on the success of a new generation of Japanese professionals who are
achieving success overseas.
The programme highlighted growth and future plans of the Christchurch based company and the rise of commercial success
since its first show at New Zealand Fashion Week.
Takaaki acknowledges that he received many emails and phone calls today, including one from his former employer, Ayako
Koshino, managing director of the multi billion dollar Japanese fashion house, Koshino. Takaaki worked as the chief
designer for Koshino for eight years showing twice-yearly in the Paris Fashion Collections.
“She commented that she cried when she saw me on the show and that she could still see the concentration and dedication
expressed on my face - this gave me great pride.”
International interest in Sakaguchi designs has exploded since his first show at last years fashion week. A following of
Australian and New Zealand fashionistas, who have reserved a special place in their hearts for Sakaguchi’s unusual
Euro-Japanese designs, has resulted in a year of wholesaling and exporting and the company is now ready to explore
further global expansion. New buyers clamouring to stock the label are sometimes deferred so that the company can temper
its growth.
Sakaguchi is now stocked in leading departments stores and boutiques throughout Australia and New Zealand