The Toast of Tokyo

Stefano Pilati named International Designer of the Year by Japan Fashion Editor’s Club
Wednesday, May 21, 2008

(NEW YORK) Stefano Pilati is already the toast of fashion capitals far and wide. Now, the YSL creative director is readying for his Far East close-up. Pilati has been named International Designer of the Year by the Japan Fashion Editor’s Club, joining past recipients like Tom Ford, Karl Lagerfeld, Hedi Slimane, Kenzo Takada, Issey Miyake, and Yohji Yamamoto.

This is the designer’s first public honor in Japan.
The organization, known as the FEC, was established in 1952 with the goal of promoting fashion after World War II. According to the FEC, “it is committed to recognizing and honoring individuals who contribute significantly to the development of fashion in the country.”

Pilati, who was unanimously chosen as this year’s honoree, will fly to Tokyo next week to receive his award at the Conrad Tokyo Hotel on May 27. Following the event, which will host around 500 guests, YSL chief executive Valérie Hermann will host a private dinner at the hotel with Rinko Kikuchi for 40 VIP artists, sculptors, and architects, including Junya Ishigami, the in-demand young architect who recently designed the Yohji Yamamoto store in the Meatpacking District.

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