Issue 2
Photography: Louis Flashman
“ I am aware as a designer we do not need anymore clothes in this world: that’s why we are continuously moving with an approach that means we aim to have reasoning behind everything we do and are creating product that people will value.”
502: Why do you do what you do?
Sage: That’s a big question. In essence I do what I do to improve people’s lives and provide an elevated perspective on my life which hopefully in turn will affect others. We want to create great product first and foremost. If I can affect someone’s life in the smallest way with my work then I feel like my job is done.
502: What’s the biggest issue you’re facing in your practice ?
Sage: At the moment, in this day and age, with all forms of design, not just clothing, it is a constant balancing act between creating great product but creating product that we actually need. We can’t afford to keep creating without knowing if a product is ethically right for our times.
I am aware as a designer we do not need anymore clothes in this world: that’s why we are continuously moving with an approach that means we aim to have reasoning behind everything we do and are creating product that people will value.
502: What elements of design are you into ?
Sage: I am hugely influenced by Dieter Rams approach to design with his 10 principles. I constantly try and keep these elements of design in my mind when it comes to my work. Working under Nick Wakeman has supported this further to see how it is possible to stick to these principles and to not overcomplicate clothes.
502: How do you translate your heritage into your work ?
STN: Using my heritage in my work is something that we are focusing a lot on with the new collection. Being half Japanese half British it does influence the design process. It is important to me to make a comment on the relationship between the two countries. It is still very early stages to the brand and we are always learning and trying to find new approaches to do this. Being based in England my whole life but travelling to Japan to visit my family there over the years has meant that I am still trying to make sense of my Japanese side myself. I use the brand as a way to do this.
502: If you could change the world in one way what would it be?
Sage Toda-Nation: That we could teleport instead of transport.
502: Why do you do what you do?
Sage: That’s a big question. In essence I do what I do to improve people’s lives and provide an elevated perspective on my life which hopefully in turn will affect others. We want to create great product first and foremost. If I can affect someone’s life in the smallest way with my work then I feel like my job is done.
502: What’s the biggest issue you’re facing in your practice ?
Sage: At the moment, in this day and age, with all forms of design, not just clothing, it is a constant balancing act between creating great product but creating product that we actually need. We can’t afford to keep creating without knowing if a product is ethically right for our times.
I am aware as a designer we do not need anymore clothes in this world: that’s why we are continuously moving with an approach that means we aim to have reasoning behind everything we do and are creating product that people will value.
502: What elements of design are you into ?
Sage: I am hugely influenced by Dieter Rams approach to design with his 10 principles. I constantly try and keep these elements of design in my mind when it comes to my work. Working under Nick Wakeman has supported this further to see how it is possible to stick to these principles and to not overcomplicate clothes.
502: How do you translate your heritage into your work ?
Sage: Using my heritage in my work is something that we are focusing a lot on with the new collection. Being half Japanese half British it does influence the design process. It is important to me to make a comment on the relationship between the two countries. It is still very early stages to the brand and we are always learning and trying to find new approaches to do this. Being based in England my whole life but travelling to Japan to visit my family there over the years has meant that I am still trying to make sense of my Japanese side myself. I use the brand as a way to do this.