Inspired by the places she sees on her travels, Tsumori Chisato long ago established herself as a truly international designer, with catwalk shows in Tokyo and Paris. The designer and creative director spoke to Dazed Digital about hitting the tender age of 20 and kindly got a special image selection together of what the label considers to be their finest work yet.

Dazed Digital: Tell us about your new collection?
Tsumori Chisato: After every show, I travel to a country I’ve never been to get some inspiration: Local artisans, textiles, colors, embroderies, life style, and mix it with my style. I went to Turkey last October and I was particularly amazed by the Cappadocia scattered landscape and the culture. For example, I made large striped and printed sarouels amongst velvet and embroidered pieces that suggest the Turkish atmosphere.
 
DD: What has been a consistent influence on the Tsumori Chisato lines?
Tsumori Chisato: I`m always inspired from all the places I visit and from my daily life. I meet and talk to new people, I can get inspired by every little detail.
 
DD: You do illustrations too? Are they solely for the fashion label?
Tsumori Chisato: Yes I draw all the illustrations by myself to make prints for my fabric: I love drawing, that’s what I do most of the time!
They are mostly made for the label but I sometime collaborate with other companies or/and houses and then I draw exclusive illustrations for them.

DD: What's next for the brand?
Tsumori Chisato: Well, I hope to increase visibility of my brand overseas Japan, I wish New York to be my next city for a Tsumori Chisato store. Among a couple of projects of collaborations I, of course, prepare the next SS '11 show in Paris in October!