One of the world 's greatest fashion designers , Yohji Yamamoto has helped blaze a trail for Asia over the last three decades . Yohji Yamamoto brought masculine styles to the catwalk , rejecting traditional ideas of sexiness . He brought geometric minimalism to the catwalk in the late 1970 's while other designers focused on flamboyance , and if his name and clothing has become a brand over the last 30 years , for the man himself , it is always `` creation first '' . `` I had no intention of working in the mainstream and I 've stated my objection against the main currents of fashion for the last 27 years , '' he told Anjali Rao . His firm standpoint on style , and his designs , has brought popularity with an international chain of clothing outlets and the courting of celebrities and companies -- he designed Elton John 's wardrobe for his latest world tour and has collaborated with Adidas to produce the Y-3 street wear range . Talk Asia toured one of his ateliers and showrooms in Tokyo , before moving to Paris for Fashion Week , where Yamamoto opened the doors to a model-casting session for the first time . While successful , his design house is far removed from the mega-brands of some labels such as Dior or Gucci , and he has stuck to his ethos throughout . `` I have no intention to deal with a market first and put my creation into it . I create my clothes at will and that will change the market -- that 's what I hope to see . `` Independent fashion houses are in an extreme minority . Most fashion makers have to sell accessories , there are only one or two or three that are successful just selling clothes . This is the era that clothes can not sell . '' Known for his distinctive black , minimalist style , he discussed how he perceives his own impact on fashion and his unique philosophy : `` Civilized humans must wear monochrome . There is a minimum etiquette of fashion that you must not upset other people 's vision . It is wrong to think that standing out is a good thing . '' `` I prefer to be behind the scenes -- that to me is a fashion designer . '' And behind the scenes , Yamamoto practices karate to relax -- at black belt level , or course -- and recreating action through his designs . `` I 'm very much interested in cutting , making forms , silhouettes , making motion ; that 's why I forget the color . ''
Yohji Yamamoto is known for his distinctive black , minimalist style . He has been a leading fashion designer over the last three decades . Comment: