k e i　k a g a m i

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BIOGRAPHY

Kei Kagami initially studied architecture and worked as studio assistant to the pre-eminent figurehead of Twentieth Century Japanese building design, Kenzo Tange.  It was during this period that Kagami realised his true vocation and promptly enrolled at Bunka fashion College (Tokyo) to study tailoring.  Building a bridge between the two disciplines, the move into fashion was a sort of logical progression for Kagami, according to him ,'there isnít much of a boundary between architecture and fashion.  Both deal with the space around the body'.

Craving an environment where maverick designers are well regarded and encouraged, Kagami was drawn to the radical London fashion scene. In 1989 Arriving on the doorstep of John Gallianoís studio in London looking for a job, his talent and determination were instantly recognised and Galliano put him to work without hesitation. Kagami remained there as Gallianoís studio assistant for three seasons working very closely with his mentor.

In 1990 with the help of Sisheido, Kagami enrolled at the prestigious Central Saint Martins where he made a remarkable impact.  His brutally sharp tailoring skills and conceptual vision wowed his peers and tutors alike. Indeed Kagami was given the final position at the college's graduation show in 1992. Fellow classmate Alexander McQueen

had to settle for the next best spot .  

While McQueen exploded onto the global fashion arena, Kagami opted for a more subtle route which would not compromise his uniquely hands-on approach, a rarity nowadays.   Kagami sums this up simply, 'I want to choose the material, cut the pattern, sew it together, and finally make it myself'.

Kagami freelanced on a few diffusion lines and then concentrated on crafting exquisite one-offs for his staunchly loyal private client base.  In 2001, his first catwalk show was held off-schedule at The Bulgarian Embassy in London and was attended by style aficionados including renowned art patron Anita Zabludowicz.  Kagami thrilled his audience with fantastical and thought-provoking show pieces and finely tuned technical prowess.  He has shown in London for several seasons and now presents his catwalk show in Milan .   Kagami's  first shoe-exhibition was held at a gallery in Milan in 2003.  It was appreciated as an art exhibition and covered by several influential magazines including Vogue, Zoom, Label, GQ and Back Stage. 

gauze, ball and bicycle chains, winding mechanisms, hooks and other metallic components are incorporated into garments of incredible intricacy and are transformed into objects of beauty.  Never afraid to experiment, Kagami has stunned audiences with a dress made entirely of wax, one consisting of living cress and another decorated with mildew cultures.  Kagami urges us to question our sense of reality.  Elements of history, politics, society and technology pervade Kagamiís work and are reflected in the thematic concerns of shows such as ' The Good Old Days, Industrial Revolution' (Spring Summer 2004) and ' Correction and its Paradox ' (Autumn/Winter 2005/06).