INDEX
The Unique Alternative Vision of coconogacco
Last year, you collaborated with coconogacco students to host a pop-up event called ‘cococuri’ at Shibuya Parco.
Kurino：I wanted to work with the coconogacco students because I believe fashion is more than just a transaction of money and goods or merely about someone gaining fame. Fashion has the potential to enhance people’s lives and bring happiness. By continuing in fashion, there’s an opportunity to make a positive impact on the world, or at the very least, to offer personal redemption and support to others with similar struggles. The students of coconogacco and Yamagata-san seem to embody this spirit of expression and intention. It feels like a meaningful alternative path for young people who may feel out of sync with mainstream society.
Kurino： So, in terms of the relationship between fashion and alternatives, there are people who are able to manifest their approaches in visible forms like collections and exhibitions. On the other hand, there are many promising next-generation talents, like the students of coconogacco, who haven’t yet made their mark on the world but have the potential to achieve great things in the future. It’s exciting to see this potential unfold.
-I had the opportunity to see the exhibition held annually by coconogacco in Fujiyoshida, and it was clear that the students’ communication was truly vibrant and collaborative, leading to the creation of their expressions. It felt like a very encouraging activity, transcending the boundaries of fashion.
Kurino： One of the things that made Mr. Yamagata famous is the picture book “Boku wa Zero-ten”. Despite being considered a failure by society, he still wanted to affirm himself. After dropping out of Osaka Bunka Fashion College, he graduated from Central Saint Martins, continued his work while grappling with various struggles, and carved out his own place. He wants to pass on his experiences and challenges to the next generation. The title of his recent exhibition at Arts Maebashi was “Koko ni Itemo Ii”, which translates to “It’s Okay to Be Here.” For children who are withdrawn or truant, the reassurance of “It’s okay just as you are” can be the most comforting and uplifting.
Kurino: However, in today’s world, it’s difficult to offer such reassurance, and many people use words that push others to their limits. This is a sign of impoverishment, but when we analyze the issue, we often find that the speakers themselves lack a place for themselves and can only create a sense of belonging by putting others down. In other words, the lack of imagination is largely influenced by Japan’s traditional education system. Ideally, education should nurture imagination, but the current system seems to contribute little to incubating it. Fortunately, as institutions like coconogacco and their graduates gain recognition, they may have a greater impact on society. Moreover, ordinary Japanese schools are gradually evolving, with changes such as the abolition of rigid textbooks and school rules and the introduction of flexible systems. I believe that these small, familiar changes will continue to drive broader transformation.
