TOGA PULLA

What inspires your signature style, especially the unique hybrid aesthetic in your designs?
I’m drawn to contrasts. The world is full of opposing forces, and I’m fascinated by what emerges when they intersect. I don’t aim to create clothes that only express beauty or joy - I’m looking to uncover new meanings in the tension between opposites.

You’ve lived in Gifu, Tokyo, and Paris. How have these places influenced your growth, both personally and creatively?
I think we internalize everything we experience on a daily basis - what we see, what we feel - and those things quietly shape our personal values.

As a child in Gifu, surrounded by nature and far removed from fashion, I would lose myself in fashion magazines, dreaming of being a designer. In Tokyo, I found a vibrant community and learned the fundamentals of garment-making. Later, living in Paris, I encountered different cultures, which led me to reflect deeply on my own identity—as a Japanese and as an Asian person. That time really shaped my awareness and worldview. 

When did you first become aware of designers?
It was during my teenage years - middle and high school - when I started questioning myself and my surroundings. I didn’t quite fit into mainstream culture, and I was craving validation and identity.

That’s when I discovered the works of Comme des Garçons and Vivienne Westwood. Their bold, unconventional styles struck a chord in me. I wasn’t fully conscious of it at the time, but their defiance of conservative ideals, especially as women designers, had a big impact. Interestingly, I wasn’t drawn to male designers in the same way

Did fashion help you navigate that time in your life?
Yes - absolutely. Fashion became a source of strength when I was struggling with self-doubt. It gave me a way to embrace my individuality and express what made me different. I believe fashion is a powerful tool, especially for those who feel like outsiders, to communicate with the world on their own terms.

My designs at TOGA aren’t always easy to wear, but I hope they encourage people to see themselves differently. If they can offer even a small sense of empowerment, that would mean a lot. 

What are you currently interested in on a personal level?
Lately, I’ve been intrigued by the space between clarity and complexity—how something can be visually striking but also carry deep meaning. I’m especially drawn to artists who explore that balance.

Recently, I’ve been reading a lot of manga by female creators like Natsujikei Miyazaki and Pesuyama Poppy. Natsujikei’s works like "Adam to Eve no Rakuen Tsuihou Sareta Kedo..." and "Anata wa Bun-chan no Koi" are incredibly compelling—I’ve nearly read them all. Pesuyama’s "Jibun no karada o yurusu made" also left a lasting impression on me. There are so many talented artists out there, and I’m particularly inspired by those trying to imagine a more hopeful world, especially in uncertain times.