Blamo! Ken Sakata (Front Office) - The Design is the Marketing
Jul 14, 2025
Ken Sakata is the founder of Front Office, a brand that creatively documents and educates about clothing on social media. In this engaging discussion, he shares his transition from Australia to Japan, exploring challenges in manufacturing and the quest for craftsmanship. He reflects on his unexpected journey to prominence in the fashion scene, emphasizing empathy and relatability in education. Additionally, Ken tackles the balance of artistic passion and commercial success, advocating for authentic storytelling in fashion design.
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Pivoting Production Amid Tariffs
- Ken shifted his production from China to Japan due to sudden U.S. tariffs and brand growth.
- This rapid change turned his planned 3-year move into a 3-day scramble to preserve the business.
Reluctant Expert Identity
- Ken feels ambivalent about being seen as an authority; he merely shares what he learns while designing.
- This humility helps connect with an audience who see him as a peer rather than expert.
Education as a Growth Driver
- Ken Sakata gained unexpected global attention through teaching fashion design online, growing his brand significantly.
- His videos demystify fashion, inviting a new audience who previously felt excluded from the industry.
