Hana Suzuki

LEGENDARY INTERVIEW

Design Legends ("DL") had the distinct honour to interview legendary designer Hana Suzuki ("HS") for their original perspective and innovative approach to design as well as their creative lifestyle, we are very pleased to share our interview with our distinguished readers.

DL: Could you please tell us a bit about your design background and education?

HS : I studied textile design at the Royal College of Art in London, where I was deeply immersed in both traditional craft techniques and contemporary design approaches. After graduating, I was fortunate to have my textile work selected by Alexander McQueen for the Paris collection, which was an incredible experience. Returning to Japan, I worked at Issey Miyake, contributing to textile and bag designs before establishing my own studio. This diverse background has shaped my holistic approach to design, balancing heritage and innovation.

DL: What motivates you to design in general, why did you become a designer?

HS : My motivation to design comes from a desire to connect people with materials and culture in meaningful ways. I became a designer because I believe design can tell stories and bridge past and present. The tactile nature of textiles and the stories behind traditional craftsmanship constantly inspire me to create new expressions that honor heritage while speaking to today’s world.

DL: Did you choose to become a designer, or you were forced to become one?

HS : I chose to become a designer. It was a natural path for me, driven by curiosity and passion for textiles and craft from an early age. While the road has had its challenges, I have always felt a strong personal calling to explore design as a way to express culture and creativity.

DL: What do you design, what type of designs do you wish to design more of?

HS : I design textiles and products that explore traditional Japanese materials and craftsmanship, often blending them with contemporary techniques. Going forward, I want to design more sustainable, everyday-use items that people can connect with emotionally, such as wearable textiles and home goods, always grounded in cultural stories.

DL: What should young designers do to become a design legend like you?

HS : I would encourage young designers to stay curious and open to learning. Embrace experimentation and do not fear failure. Building relationships with artisans and understanding materials deeply are also essential. Most importantly, stay true to your own voice and values—authenticity resonates more than anything.

DL: What distinguishes between a good designer and a great designer?

HS : A good designer creates well-executed work, but a great designer brings a unique perspective and emotional depth that moves people. Great designers challenge conventions and connect deeply with culture and context, creating work that lasts beyond trends.

DL: What makes a good design a really good design, how do you evaluate good design?

HS : I evaluate design based on clarity of intention, execution, and emotional impact. A really good design communicates its purpose clearly, is crafted with care, and evokes feelings or thoughts in the viewer. It balances aesthetics and function while telling a story.

DL: What is the value of good design? Why should everyone invest in good design?

HS : Good design enriches our daily lives by bringing beauty, meaning, and functionality together. Investing in good design means valuing quality, sustainability, and cultural connection. It creates products that last, tell stories, and contribute positively to society.

DL: What would you design and who would you design for if you had the time?

HS : If I had more time, I would like to design community-centered projects that involve local artisans and reflect regional culture. I want to create pieces that support and empower traditional craftspeople while resonating with contemporary users worldwide.

DL: What is the dream project you haven’t yet had time to realize?

HS : My dream project is to create a large-scale installation or environment that fully integrates traditional materials like igusa (rush grass) with digital technology, exploring the dialogue between nature and modernity. It would be an immersive experience connecting craft, design, and space.

DL: What is your secret recipe of success in design, what is your secret ingredient?

HS : My secret is deep respect for materials and people. Listening carefully to the stories behind materials and collaborating closely with artisans brings authenticity and depth to my work. Patience and continuous learning also play vital roles.

DL: Who are some other design masters and legends you get inspired from?

HS : I am inspired by designers who blend tradition and innovation, such as Issey Miyake and Alexander McQueen. I also admire craft masters who dedicate their lives to preserving techniques. Their passion and integrity motivate me.

DL: What are your favorite designs by other designers, why do you like them?

HS : I admire works that tell stories through materials and craftsmanship. For example, Issey Miyake’s pleating techniques and McQueen’s theatrical textiles inspire me because they merge technical mastery with emotional expression.

DL: What is your greatest design, which aspects of that design makes you think it is great?

HS : ne of my greatest designs is the “PIXEL WEAVE MONALISA” tatami project, which combines traditional igusa weaving with pixelated digital aesthetics. It embodies a successful fusion of heritage and modernity and evokes conversations between old and new.

DL: How could people improve themselves to be better designers, what did you do?

HS : Improvement comes from curiosity and hands-on experience. I spent time visiting production sites, working with artisans, and continuously experimenting. Staying humble and open to feedback helped me grow.

DL: If you hadn’t become a designer, what would you have done?

HS : If not a designer, I might have pursued a career related to art history or cultural preservation, as I am deeply interested in heritage and storytelling.

DL: How do you define design, what is design for you?

HS : Design is a way to give form and meaning to ideas, bridging function, culture, and emotion. It’s a language that communicates values and connects people.

DL: Who helped you to reach these heights, who was your biggest supporter?

HS : My biggest supporters have been my family and mentors, as well as the artisans who shared their knowledge. Their trust and encouragement gave me strength.

DL: What helped you to become a great designer?

HS : Continuous learning, collaboration with skilled artisans, and willingness to challenge myself helped me improve. Also, balancing respect for tradition with a desire to innovate was key.

DL: What were the obstacles you faced before becoming a design master?

HS : Challenges included limited resources, balancing commercial demands with personal vision, and overcoming doubts. Persistence and passion helped me overcome them.

DL: How do you think designers should present their work?

HS : Designers should present their work clearly and honestly, telling the story behind the design and its context. Visuals, samples, and narratives that connect emotionally are important.

DL: What’s your next design project, what should we expect from you in future?

HS : My next projects include exhibitions in Singapore and Toyama, a collaborative installation at alter, and a special commission for Dior. Expect explorations of tradition meeting contemporary innovation.

DL: What’s your ultimate goal as a designer?

HS : My goal is to create designs that honor heritage, inspire connection, and contribute positively to society through thoughtful and sustainable creativity.

DL: What people expect from an esteemed designer such as yourself?

HS : People expect authenticity, quality, cultural depth, and innovative expression that respects tradition while pushing boundaries

DL: How does design help create a better society?

HS : Design can promote sustainability, preserve culture, and improve everyday life by creating meaningful, responsible products that foster community and identity.

DL: What are you currently working on that you are especially excited about?

HS : I am excited about the “HAMA” project, which explores the clay supports used in pottery firing and translates their textures and colors into textiles, collaborating with ceramic artists.

DL: Which design projects gave you the most satisfaction, why?

HS : Projects that combine traditional craft with contemporary aesthetics, like the PIXEL WEAVE MONALISA tatami, give me the most satisfaction because they create dialogue between history and modern life.

DL: What would you like to see changed in design industry in the coming years?

HS : I hope to see more emphasis on sustainability, deeper respect for traditional crafts, and greater collaboration across disciplines.

DL: Where do you think the design field is headed next?

HS : Design will become more interdisciplinary, combining craft, technology, and social engagement to solve complex challenges.

DL: How long does it take you to finalize a design project?

HS : The timeline varies, but typically a project takes several months of research, experimentation, and refinement before finalization.

DL: When you have a new design project, where do you start?

HS : I start by researching materials, techniques, and cultural context, often visiting artisans and production sites to gain firsthand insights.

DL: What is your life motto as a designer?

HS : “Respect tradition, embrace innovation.”

DL: Do you think design sets the trends or trends set the designs?

HS : I believe design and trends influence each other, but true design is rooted in timeless values and culture beyond fleeting trends.

DL: What is the role of technology when you design?

HS : Technology is a tool to expand possibilities and reinterpret tradition, but it should be used thoughtfully to enhance, not overshadow, craftsmanship.

DL: What kind of design software and equipment do you use in your work?

HS : I use a combination of digital tools like Adobe Illustrator , along with hands-on techniques like weaving and dyeing in the studio.

DL: What is the role of the color, materials and ambient in design?

HS : Color and materials evoke emotion and meaning, while the ambient environment influences how a design is perceived and experienced. All three create a holistic experience.

DL: What do you wish people to ask about your design?

HS : I hope people ask about the stories behind the materials and techniques, and how tradition and modernity coexist in my work.

DL: When you see a new great design or product what comes into your mind?

HS : I think about the story behind it and what emotions it evokes.

DL: Who is your ideal design partner? Do you believe in co-design?

HS : My ideal partner respects tradition and is open to collaboration. Yes, co-design brings fresh ideas.

DL: Which people you interacted had the most influence on your design?

HS : Skilled artisans and mentors who taught me the value of craftsmanship.

DL: Which books you read had the most effect on your design?

HS : Books on Japanese craft history and modern design theory.

DL: How did you develop your skills as a master designer?

HS : By constant learning, hands-on practice, and working closely with artisans.

DL: Irrelative of time and space, who you would want to meet, talk and discuss with?

HS : I would love to meet traditional craft masters and visionary designers.

DL: How do you feel about all the awards and recognition you had, is it hard to be famous?

HS : I am grateful but stay focused on the work. Fame brings pressure but also opportunity.

DL: What is your favorite color, place, food, season, thing and brand?

HS : Favorite color: Indigo. Place: My studio. Food: Japanese sweets. Season: Autumn. Thing: Textiles. Brand: Issey Miyake.

DL: Please tell us a little memoir, a funny thing you had experienced as a designer?

HS : Once, I accidentally sent a fabric sample to the wrong client—but it led to a new collaboration!

DL: What makes your day great as a designer, how do you motivate yourself?

HS : Seeing ideas take shape and connecting with people who share my passion motivates me.

DL: When you were a little child, was it obvious that you would become a great designer?

HS : Not obvious, but I always loved colors and patterns.

DL: What do you think about future; what do you see will happen in thousand years from now?

HS : I hope design will continue to blend technology with human touch to enrich life.

DL: Please tell us anything you wish your fans to know about you, your design and anything else?

HS : I am passionate about connecting tradition and innovation, and I hope my work inspires people to appreciate culture in everyday life.