Photographer: Natalija Gormalova @kino_zen
Model: Nana Kwasi Wiafe @nana.kwasi.wiafe
Location: Accra, Ghana
T-MICHAEL – A creative power house! T-MICHAEL’s work is based on a strong international platform where he is inspired by traditional tailoring, textiles , shapes and forms from all around the world. A bespoke tailor/ designer /artist with a conceptual approach to men’s tailoring inspired by his love of sartorial traditions and his passionate quest for a different narrative within tailoring, design and creativity,to celebrate stylistic and cultural diversities present in today’s zeitgeist. He is known for his meticulous attention to detail and for his garments’ impeccable construction.
From his base in Bergen, the west coast of Norway, Ghanaian born T-Michael, has for the last 23 years been doing what he does best. Creating a unique sense of style and presence in his work and has attracted fans from across the globe. He is a favorite among street style photographers and a style icon for many from all over the world . He is constantly profiled in relevant magazine and blogs worldwide. He is a favorite and a well respected designer, exhibitor and curator at the world’s most relevant men’s fashion bi annual trade show Pitti Uomo in Florence Italy.
True, unadulterated beauty and craftsmanship goes into each of T-Michael’s pieces. Details, quality, tradition and style are few of the words that come to mind. Furthering the art and heritage of artisanal techniques of the past and redefining ready to wear styling of today’s zeitgeist.
The T-Michael Collection, a conceptual approach to men’s tailoring comprises of suits, shirts, jackets, shoes, bags, sunglasses, cufflinks, knits, scarves, socks and T Kimono, designed and crafted based on T-Michael’s unique everyday styling and ethos. It’s all about preserving old memories and creating new ones vis à vis each other. Traditional menswear with a contemporary spirit.The Flagship stores are situated in Bergen, Oslo, Paris, Tokyo and London (on the move presently).
He is currently collaborating with Y. & Sons (Yamato Ltd) a traditional kimono maker from Japan established in 1917 with over 135 stores in Japan. The concept is to present the kimono as an everyday menswear staple in the wardrobe of men today.
A beautiful meeting in Kanda, Tokyo, paved the way for this unique and innovative collaboration resulting in the T Kimono.Traditional bespoke maker Y. & Sons, part of Yamato Company with over 100 years experience sought out T-Michael expertise to shed new light on the kimono and to establish it as a staple in menswear alongside other staples such as the suit, blazer, jeans and the iconic white shirt.
‘T Kimono’ was awarded best design product in 2017 by Love Tokyo Awards arranged Time out Magazine in Japan. “I loved how the T-Kimono unites traditional kimonos with western suits. I don’t think you can find anything like that anywhere in the world. Congratulations!” Kenneth Tan, Time Out BeijingThe T-Kimono has recently being exhibited at the He Xiangning Art Museum in Shenzhen China and at the ModeFabriek Design Fair in Amsterdam.The T-Kimono will be presented at the V&A as part of their KIMONO: Kyoto to Catwalk exhibition in February 2020 and will also be part of the museum’s permanent collection.
