[Sansai SAITO]
A Japanese modern kimono designer.
Sansai was born in Kyoto as the eldest son of Saizaburo Saito, a dyer. After he worked at a kimono fabrics dealer named “Chinsui”, he entered his father’s office and trained his skills under his father. And also, he learned sketch and brush work under Sanrakuki Kano, a Japanese painter.
In 1965, he presented his works on a Kimono magazine, and his kimono immediately attracted people’s attention. Kansai succeeded his father’s company and became the president. He has held 35 exhibitions as well as large-scale kimono shows.
Because his use of color was unconventional and not traditional, some people in traditional Kimono business criticized him, however, his outstanding and original design attract people and even created a new word “ Sansai style” .
Sansai is the reading person of modern kimono design who pumped fresh blood into traditional kimono world.