Masato

Originally from a village just outside of Tokyo, where he trained, qualified and had a successful career as a hair stylist, the ever-adventurous Masato wanted a new challenge and decided to move to the UK to study English in Brighton. Whilst considering other avenues to express his creativity, Masato came to the decision that a career in fashion is what he really wanted.

Based on his interview and samples of his work, Masato was honoured when he was offered a coveted place in the Women’s Fashion Design course at Saint Martins University.

Once qualified Masato secured an internship, followed by permanent employment with Giles Deacon, a British fashion designer best known for working with Bottega Veneta and Gucci, before Deacon found his own label, GILES, in 2003.

After a satisfying stint at GILES, Masato set up Masato in 2011 with his partner Mike. Before long, Masato Studio was awarded a project with English National Ballet to design and create three ballet dresses that were used for a nationwide advertising campaign the for English National Ballet.

Masato collection at Brighton Fashion Week 2011 received a great deal of press attention. As a result, Masato was listed by a number of industry insiders as ‘one to watch’.