At Paris Fashion Week, CFCL designer Yusuke Takahashi marked a significant milestone with the debut of his 10th collection, reflecting on the evolution of his high-tech knitwear label. Inspired by “Lines: A Brief History,” a book by British anthropologist Tim Ingold, Takahashi explored the concept of lines in all human activities, from walking to weaving. This philosophical underpinning led him to revisit the roots of his design journey, which began with his graduate collection featuring computer-programmed knitting. Photographer Sohom Das captured the energy behind the scenes at the CFCL FW25 show, exclusively for DSCENE Magazine.
BACKSTAGE
The FW25 collection showcased at the Institut de Recherche et Coordination Acoustique/Musique (IRCAM), adjacent to the Centre Pompidou, did not serve as a mere recapitulation of past successes but rather a reinvigoration of the brand’s foundational elements. Sound artist Miyu Hosoi enhanced the presentation, using the mechanical sounds of the knitting machines that created the garments to compose a rhythmic soundtrack that resonated throughout the runway, providing a multi-dimensional auditory experience.
Expanding beyond the practical, the collection also ventured into more glamorous territory with filmy gowns crafted from fine yarns and experimental pieces like a blazer that transitioned into a shimmering dress, redefining the traditional coatdress. These pieces underscored Takahashi’s departure from linear fashion trajectories, embracing a more explorative and imaginative approach to design. The theme of the collection, “Knit-ware,” was vividly expressed through the use of bold, graphic outlines and energetic colors that captured the essence of contemporary life through the medium of knitwear. The designs illustrated the evolution of CFCL’s style with lines that curved, folded, and expanded. CFCL’s show at Paris Fashion Week not only celebrated a decade of design innovation but also set the stage for the future of knitwear, where traditional techniques meet cutting-edge technology to create clothing that is both artistic and functional.
