Tokio Kumagaï (1948–1987). Kumagaï was born in Sendai, Japan. After high school he studied at the prestigious Bunka College of Fashion in Tokyo that delivered earlier talented designers like Kenzo and Issey Miyake. Shortly after his graduation he worked for Yves St. Laurent and Jean-Charles Castelbajac in Paris. In the studio of Castelbajac he also designs shoes for Pierre d’Alby which were noted by Elio Fiorucci. He invited Kumagaï to work for his fashion label Fiorucci founded in 1967 to come to work. While Tokyo designed gold and silver sneakers for Fiorucci in Milan he also works for Issey Miyake in Paris. In 1981 opened his own boutique in Paris. His footwear distinguishes itself in the field of decoration and details in his basic designs. He likes working with special techniques such as paintings, appliqués, patchwork and braid. He finds his inspiration in painting and sculpture but also in nature, photos, crafts and literature and in newspapers. His shoes were worn by Lady Di, Princesses Caroline and Stéphanie of Monaco.
