Over the course of his illustrious career, FRGMT’s founder, Hiroshi Fujiwara, has been instrumental in shaping and defining the world of street style as we know it today. His impact on fashion and design has been far-reaching, and his work has inspired and mentored many of the industry’s biggest names. From his early days as a DJ and musician in Tokyo to his collaborations with some of the world’s most prestigious fashion houses, Fujiwara has consistently pushed the boundaries of creativity and innovation while remaining true to his roots in street culture.
For their latest co-created collection with Moncler Genius, the Japanese designer tweaks Moncler’s iconic staples in subtle ways, drawing inspiration from the brand’s archives and mountain DNA. With a deft hand, Fujiwara skillfully incorporates the brand’s alpine heritage into his work while infusing it with his distinctive vision and signature subversive touch.
In honor of this collaboration, LVR sat down with Hiroshi Fujiwara to talk about his creative thought process, favorite elements of the collection, his relationship with Moncler, and more.
Your inspiration for this entire collection began with a 1974 postcard from Moncler’s archives. What was it about it that inspired you to such an extent?
With every Genius collection, I try to draw inspiration from Moncler’s archive, and this season this particular postcard stood out to me. It’s nostalgic and the shapes of mountains were interesting to me, so I decided to draw an outline and use it as the graphic.
Talk us through The Art of Genius event in London that took place this February. What was the thought process behind the installation? Is there a specific reason robots were chosen to express the idea of love?
I happened to be working with Lovot at the same time we were brainstorming ideas for the Moncler installation at the London event, and I thought Lovot was the perfect fit for it. The concept was “love” and Lovot has a unique way of showing love to humans. Indeed, there are many ways of showing love to others. The way Lovots love humans is genuine, in a futuristic way.
You are often, and rightfully so, credited with fusing Western and Japanese culture in regard to fashion. What are some details in this collaboration between Moncler and FRGMT that highlight the two cultures and their origins?
I personally have never intended to connect Japanese culture with Western culture. I always follow what I think is interesting at the time, whether it’s from Japan or elsewhere. I think Moncler and I share the same value of pushing the boundaries in creativity regardless of our roots.
We see the houndstooth pattern as one of the main elements of this collection, why this particular pattern?
I like working with patterns for each collection, and this season it happened to be houndstooth. I was just in the mood for houndstooth and wanted to design some products to wear for myself.
You are one of the longest-standing collaborators of Moncler Genius, what is it that fuels this creative relationship?
I believe that a great process leads to great outcomes. Working with Moncler Genius has been a pleasant experience, and I think that’s what keeps me going when it comes to the brand.
Share with us the main elements that set a collaboration up for success. How are those elements translated in Moncler x FRGMT?
As in all relationships, I try not to be all about myself and my needs, I respect Moncler’s directions and honor their opinions as much as they honor mine.
It is often said that you only release things you, yourself would wear. With that in mind, do you have a personal favorite piece in the collection, and how would you style it?
From this collection, I like the houndstooth items. The jacket in the houndstooth pattern I think is my favorite.
How are your collections with Moncler received in Japan? Do you see the brand’s evolution and more frequent presence on the fashion scene?
I am not sure because I never see it that way, I see my designs in the same way I see other clothes people are wearing. My mission is to produce what I like and I hope it somehow relates to the people as well.
