KINO is known for its simple yet highly distinctive styles that casually add improbable cutting and unique silhouettes.
Just as the brand’s image has remained unshaken over the years, it took as its name that of mysteriously unreal woman of unknown nationality with an appearance that is at once boyish and feminine.
The details that become the keywords of the brand’s looks are born from each season’s themes and expand to create the world of KINO.
Started in 1999, KINO has since expanded to include not just ladieswear for sale domestically, but also a more mature and elegant international line “KINO..” as well as new men’s line in 2009.
“We’re finally starting to see balance between the three lines. Now we’ve got each of them firmly split apart into their own categories.”

Hungry to meet and communicate with people of various origins, KINO went international in 2007.
“Each time I’m forced think of what will get recognition in the international sense. This is a lot of fun as a creator, not to mention a good source of stimulation.”
Will fashion that expresses Japan in a straightforward manner be accepted abroad?
Well, that’s not what KINO is trying to do.
Designer Ishikawa’s quest is to compete using exceptional ideas unique only to KINO.
In order to maintain consistency, the designer has also been devoting energy to rethinking the brand’s approach and reaffirming position, and even in recent days taking part in film production.
Ishikawa states that in the future she would like to gradually become involved in the creation of another world.
Perhaps coming into contact with new sensibilities will make KINO’s philosophy all the more profound?