A Stylish Celebration: Yoshikazu Yamagata's 'written by' Pop-Up Store at Barneys New York Ginza
From September 19, 2025, Barneys New York Ginza has unveiled a newly renovated pop-up space,
UNION SQUARE, featuring a unique collaboration with the fashion school
coconogacco. This special event, known as 'The Research Market', showcases a series of curated items from exciting designers trained at coconogacco, which includes Yoshikazu Yamagata, the visionary behind the label
written by. This pop-up will be available until October 8, 2025.
The event is structured in three weeks, allowing visitors to experience a diverse array of contemporary fashion ideas. During the final week, Yamagata will showcase his premium offerings from
written by, blending archival pieces with contemporary collections alongside vintage items he has meticulously selected. The pop-up aims to promote creativity and innovation in the fashion sector, aligning with
coconogacco's ethos of nurturing aspiring designers.
The Essence of Written by
Founded by Yamagata,
written by is more than just a clothing brand; it's a creative movement that encourages artistic expression through various mediums. Guided by the motto “write, draw & saw,” the brand focuses on producing whimsical yet practical items for everyday life, carefully crafted through collaboration with artisans and creators. Starting from 2024, Yamagata's design team will include members from both Japan and the Netherlands, enhancing the cultural dialogue and artistic synergy in fashion design.
The designer’s journey began at the prestigious
Central Saint Martins, where he graduated from the Women's Wear course in 2005. By 2007, he established
writtenafterwards, a brand underscoring the beauty of dressing and challenging conventional fashion norms. Yamagata's remarkable contributions to the fashion revolution earned him a nomination for the
LVMH Prize in 2015—making him the first Japanese designer to achieve this recognition.
A Window into Creativity
To celebrate this special occasion, a captivating window display featuring Yamagata's artistic direction has been showcased at Barneys Ginza. This display, titled
Layers of Conversations, reflects on Barneys’ iconic history while reimagining it in light of its position as a social hub, reminiscent of the
Kojun Building. This concept intertwines the rich history of the store with the modern dialogues facilitated by coconogacco, honoring the creativity that thrives at this vibrant intersection.
Moreover, attendees will have the opportunity to witness a
special talk show with Yamagata and another esteemed designer,
Soshiotsuki's Soichi Otsuki, on October 6, 2025. This event is free of charge and promises to be an enriching experience, celebrating their shared journey in the fashion landscape.
Coconogacco: A Hub for Emerging Designers
Coconogacco, founded in 2008 by Yamagata, serves as a nurturing ground for designers exploring the fundamental aspects of fashion. The school stands as a beacon for creative minds eager to understand the comprehensive journey of style and identity. Students and alumni often emerge as finalists in prestigious global competitions like the
LVMH Prize and
Yale International Fashion Festival, garnering international acclaim.
For more information regarding
written by, visit their
official website and check out their latest updates on Instagram
here. You can also learn more about
coconogacco through their
official site and Instagram
here. Additionally, the prestigious retail chain, Barneys New York, is known for its curated selection of luxury fashion. Visit their
website to explore their offerings and updates.
In conclusion, the collaboration between
written by and Barneys New York offers a unique glimpse into the evolving fashion landscape while fostering a community of creative thinkers and doers. Immerse yourself in this enriching experience, celebrating artistry and innovation in one of Tokyo's most iconic shopping destinations.