Jun Takahashi


Jun Takahashi is a Japanese fashion designer and is most famous for creating the brand Undercover.

Early life and education

Takahashi was born in Kiryū, Gunma. He attended :ja:群馬県立桐生西高等学校|Gunma Kiryu Nishi High School. In 1988, he enrolled in Fashion Education at Bunka Fashion College. In his free time, he was the vocal lead for the cover band ":ja:セックス・ピストルズ|Tokyo Sex Pistols" where his role model was Vivienne Westwood.

Career

In 1993, he launched Undercover, a high-end streetwear label for men, women and children. Also in 1993, he launched Nowhere, a retail venture in Ura-Harajuku with friend Nigo of BAPE. In 1994–1995 he participated in Tokyo Fashion Week. In 1995 the Nowhere Ltd. company store opened in Harajuku.
Japanese designer, Rei Kawakubo, who created the brand Comme des Garcons, became Jun's mentor and persuaded him to come to Paris. The Paris store Colette liked his clothes so much that they asked Takahashi to present his 1998 collection "Exchange" in their store.
Undercover made its debut at Paris Fashion Week in October 2002, for Spring/Summer 2003.
The designer also creates activewear lines for both men and women under the label Nike x Undercover Gyakusou, with the sportswear giant. Additionally, Takahashi has collaborated with Uniqlo to create Uniqlo Undercover, since 2011.

Personal life

He has a son, Rin and daughter Lala and is married to Morishita Riko, with whom he worked for the Uniqlo collaboration.

Awards and achievements

In 1997, he received the New Face Prize in Mainichi fashion grand prize sponsored by the Mainichi national daily newspaper. In 2001, he received the Grand Prize in Mainichi fashion grand prize sponsored by the Mainichi national daily newspaper. In 2013, he received the Grand Prize in Mainichi fashion grand prize for the second time.