Ryosuke Matsui, a 35-year-old Japanese designer, gained attention at the Oscars for his unique shoes that seemed to be clenched in Godzilla’s claw. Matsui’s brand, Hazama, offers a variety of quirky and imaginative designs, including clothing with dark fantasy motifs and crazy heels on shoes. Matsui’s creations are inspired by odd creatures like witches and iridescent polar bears, creating a dreamlike world filled with enchanting stories.
Despite his relatively short fashion career, Matsui has already made a name for himself with his distinctive style. He envisions his brand’s spaces in-between as filters through which he expresses mesmerizing stories of the beginnings of time, inhabited by his unique creations. Matsui believes that clothes have the power to change the wearer’s mindset and build confidence, serving as a doorway to self-expression and creativity.
The Godzilla shoes, initially created for the film’s producer for the Japan premiere, took Matsui about a year to design and produce. The shoes, worn by actress Minami Hamabe, director Takashi Yamazaki, and co-star Ryunosuke Kamiki at the Academy Awards, quickly gained attention and sold out. Plans are in place to produce more shoes in different colors, possibly in homage to the Oscar statue. Despite the high demand, Matsui assures that everyone interested in owning a pair of Godzilla shoes will eventually be able to acquire one.
Growing up in a nurturing family and graduating from Keio University, Matsui could have pursued a more traditional career as a “salaryman.” However, he chose to follow his passion for fashion, forging his own path in the industry. Although he admires designers like Yohji Yamamoto, Matsui prefers to focus on color and fabric texture in his designs. His dream is to create fashion for the Japanese rock band Bump of Chicken, showcasing his local ambitions and appreciation for Japanese culture.
Matsui’s Godzilla shoes have garnered international attention, with interest in his brand growing rapidly. Despite the opportunity for global expansion, Matsui remains content working in Japan, where he feels most at home. His designs reflect his unique vision and storytelling abilities, capturing the imaginations of those who wear his creations. Matsui’s dedication to his craft and passion for creative expression continue to fuel his success in the fashion industry.
