Kuwasawa Design School (KDS), founded by Ms. Yoko Kuwasawa in 1954, originated from her deep involvement in design journalism since the 1930s. Influenced by the Bauhaus principles, Yoko emphasized functionality and practicality in design. Recognizing the need for a comprehensive design education, she established the school with Taro Takamatsu’s support, eight-and-a-half years after WWII. During and after the war, women balanced professional and household duties, often making traditional clothing by hand. As a recognized fashion designer, Yoko alleviated this burden by offering affordable, ready-made home and workwear, enabling women to focus on their careers. She trained many professional designers for mass production of quality clothing. Leveraging connections with educators, artists, and designers, she assembled a talented faculty.
It was a great surprise and honor for Yoko, just after 2 months of opening the KDS, Walter Gropius visited her school on the morning of 15th June 1945. She had the chance to show Gropius her functional homeware and working clothing inspired by Japanese traditional fabrics. Gropius said that KDS reminded him of the early days of Bauhaus and wrote a message to her: ‘Here I have found genuine Bauhaus spirit, the desirable trend I am looking for — the transitional, creative bridge between east and west. Great success to you! Walter Gropius June 1954 ’ (Message by Walter Gropius to Yoko Kuwasawa on a guest book, dated June 1954, Tokyo, Kuwasawa Gakuen Educational Foundation.)
Yoko’s educational approach was characterized by a willingness to embrace trial and error, coupled with a blend of flexibility and determination. Her dedication bore fruit, nurturing numerous talented individuals who have made significant contributions across various fields. Their work has earned widespread acclaim, reflecting the enduring legacy of the KDS and Yoko Kuwasawa’s visionary leadership.
