CFCL

itting, and high-pressure bonding, resulting in garments that are both bold and versatile. Designed to harmonize seamlessly within a wardrobe, CFCL’s pieces are sophisticated yet practical, offering ease of care and a commitment to minimal environmental impact. The brand’s collections are intended to serve as both expressive standalone pieces and integral components of a contemporary lifestyle, supporting people’s lives in a diverse and ever-changing world. CFCL’s approach eliminates the designer’s ego, focusing instead on the elements necessary for contemporary life—minimum waste, easy care, gender-free design, timeless aesthetics, and transparency in the production process.

Philosophy

CFCL’s philosophy centers on creating clothing that serves as a tool for people to use in their lives, rather than expressing the tastes and mindset of an individual designer. The brand’s clothing for contemporary life comprises three elements: sophistication, consciousness, and comfort and easy care. CFCL aims to remove unnecessary elements from fashion, focusing on what is meaningful and practical for today’s world. The brand believes in the fusion of functionality and creativity, and in designing garments that are both expressive and integral to a contemporary lifestyle.

Sustainability

Certifications: B Corp certified (2022) Practices: Use of recycled materials; Ethically sourced yarns; 3D-computer knitting to reduce waste; High-pressure bonding for minimal environmental impact; Transparency in production process Goals: CFCL aims to mitigate issues such as human rights violations, overproduction, and environmental degradation through innovative production techniques and sustainable practices. The brand’s commitment to sustainability is both a logical and ethical endeavor, reflecting a desire to move the fashion industry forward as a whole.

Founders

Yusuke Takahashi, Background: Former lead designer at Issey Miyake Men, with over a decade of experience in the fashion industry. Takahashi is known for his innovative approach to knitwear and sustainable practices, having led men's collections at Miyake Design Studio before launching CFCL. His design philosophy is deeply influenced by his time at Issey Miyake, emphasizing functionality, creativity, and responsibility in fashion.

Background

CFCL was founded in 2020 by Yusuke Takahashi, who sought to redefine fashion with purpose and responsibility. The brand’s name, Clothing For Contemporary Life, reflects a commitment to addressing the overproduction of clothing and imbuing garments with true meaning. CFCL’s innovative approach to knitwear production, utilizing 3D computer programming, sets it apart in the fashion industry. The brand has quickly gained recognition for its eco-consciousness and sustainable practices, becoming the first Japanese apparel brand to achieve B Corp certification in 2022. CFCL’s collections are designed to be compatible with various scenarios, from daily life to special occasions, while remaining easy to maintain and responsibly made.

History

CFCL was launched in 2020 by Yusuke Takahashi, who had previously spent seven years at Issey Miyake, where he led men's collections and developed a deep understanding of innovative production techniques. The brand’s first collection was released shortly after its founding, and it has since expanded to include both menswear and womenswear. CFCL’s commitment to sustainability and innovative knitwear production has earned it recognition as a leader in the industry, with a focus on reducing waste, using recycled materials, and ensuring ethical sourcing. The brand’s philosophy of creating clothing for contemporary life has resonated with a global audience, and CFCL continues to push the boundaries of what fashion can be in the 21st century.