The Japanese designer based in Paris since the 1990s, Nao Okawa is one of those rare figures who moves through eras with both constancy and singularity. Trained in the art of precise cutting and architectural construction, he has developed an aesthetic in which each season converses with the previous one — like a long sentence woven from textile threads and subtle intuitions.
A discreet yet essential collaborator, he has contributed his talent to numerous French and international houses: Chloé, Repetto, Jean Paul Gaultier, Marithé & François Girbaud, Guy Laroche, Bombers Original, Geym…Through his experimental capsule Nao Okawa X Outcasts Incorporated, his exploration of volume and material comes to life in its purest form, boldly merging fashion with technology — pioneering the use of augmented reality on dresses since 2019.
This season, the Japanese-born, Paris-based polyglot returns with two standout collaborations: art direction for TAKATURNA, a young house of sustainable luxury, founded by Francesca Comino and an eponymous capsule with NAO OKAWA X BOMBERS ORIGINALS, the timeless icon of streetwear. Together, they highlight his talent, versatility, and rare ability to adapt to every creative context.
TAKATURNA stands out for its ecological ambition and Italian craftsmanship
For Okawa, rigor never excludes emotion. His garments tell stories of movement, balance, and freedom. Drawing equally from Parisian urban energy and the Japanese memory of craftsmanship, he bridges tradition and modernity with a sober, continuous, and instantly recognisable language. More than a fashion designer, Nao Okawa is a builder of visual identities — a textile architect who shapes the image of brands while remaining true to his singular voice. His journey perfectly illustrates the essential role of independent designers working alongside the great houses today: visionaries who turn clothing into lasting aesthetic experiences.
TAKATURNA stands out for its ecological ambition and Italian craftsmanship, while Okawa brings his signature to the kinetic cutting ambitions of the brand, with a design philosophy rooted in his fascination with body movement and his passion for origami. More than an aesthetic, kinetic design is a method of construction: it reduces waste, streamlines production, cuts sewing and ironing times, and enhances durability. The result is innovative outerwear that is functional, elegant, and inherently unisex, adapting naturally to all body types. Francesca Comino founded and conceived TAKATURNA and Nao Okawa is filling for the 7th consecutive season of art direction by her side.
Key pieces include: Kinetic Water-Repellent Trench Coat – luxurious, resilient, and fluid , Sleeveless Cupro Blouse – lightweight and refined for everyday wear, Poplin Shirt – a timeless classic, reimagined with Takaturna’s ecological spirit.
BOMBERS ORIGINALS: Reinventing the Icon
With Bombers Originals, Okawa continues a collaboration spanning four seasons around a garment that has become a cultural legend: the bomber jacket. With his capsule, Okawa brings a new sense of fluidity and contemporaneity to this iconic piece, balancing heritage with innovation.
Originally designed in the 1950s for U.S. Navy and Air Force pilots, the bomber quickly transcended its technical purpose to become a global symbol. From British Mods to Vietnam Vets, from Hollywood stars like James Dean, Steve McQueen, and Tom Cruise in Top Gun, to hip-hop pioneers Dr. Dre and 2Pac, the bomber has been adopted across some of the most divergent cultural movements.
Highlights include Ozaka Women – a reimagined bomber with a bold feminine silhouette and NAKA Unisex – a fluid, universal fit that honors the original while embracing today’s codes.
A Season of Versatility from sustainable luxury to streetwear heritage, Nao Okawa once again proves his power of adaptation and the continuity of his creative language. Guided by a kinetic vision of clothing, he designs collections that do more than dress the body — they move with it, through eras, cultures, and identities.
