Publication date of the article from Chugoku Shinbun:

04/08/2015

Description of the article from Chugoku Shinbun:

Article about the career of Satoshi, his title of Meilleur Ouvrier de France in Haute Couture embroidery and his winning vest for the contest.

Translation of the article:

Satoshi Sekimoto, a Kure-born embroidery craftsman, awarded the title of “Meilleur Ouvrier de France” in France.

Kure-born artisan Satoshi Sekimoto (32), who works as a haute couture embroidery craftsman in France, has been awarded the prestigious title of “Meilleur Ouvrier de France,” an honor rarely bestowed upon a Japanese individual. He is set to face the challenge in France on the 16th.

Having honed his skills locally for ten years and even worked in Poland, Satoshi reported the award to his family and mentors, including a dressmaker and a landscaping technician, back in Japan.

In France, an official public institution organizes a competition to recognize and certify artisans. After graduating from a local high school, Satoshi learned embroidery at a fashion school in Hiroshima. Initially employed by an apparel company, he later decided to tackle the challenge of creating his own theme-apparel.

Feeling the desire to learn in the authentic environment of France, he moved there about ten years ago. He polished his skills by attending specialized schools, sewing beads and sequins onto golden fabric, and adorning the work with patterns such as checks and paisley. Overcoming challenging periods, including a nine-month hiatus to sell his creations at a local department store, Satoshi persevered and gained recognition for his craftsmanship.

He dreams of establishing his own atelier, focusing on creating beautiful and meaningful works. Satoshi returned to Japan in late March, burning with ambition, and crafted a garment themed on India.