Yohji Yamamoto was born in Yokohama, Japan and he studied English at Nihon University. He graduated from Keio University with a degree in law and studied at Bunka Fashion Institute for two years.
Yamamoto was a freelance designer for a few years before he create his own company in 1972. His very first collection was debuted in Japan four years later.
His style combines powerful traditional Japanese dress with Western daywear. His clothes are loose flowing layers that are comfortable, chic and elegant. Yohji is well known for being one of the first designers to dress women in clothing inspired by military menswear.
Many refer to Yamamoto as an artist, an intellectual, and a poet more often than as a designer.