menSwear by a Woman EP200: The Anatomy of a Brand: Inside Front Office ft Ken Sakata
11 snips
May 6, 2025 
Ken Sakata, founder of the menswear brand Front Office, shares his remarkable journey from aspiring doctor to fashion visionary. He discusses how a pandemic-inspired passion for menswear transformed his life and led to crafting garments that are as much about fit as they are about expression. Ken dives into the fusion of medical precision and creativity in design, the challenges of establishing authenticity in a crowded space, and the importance of personal growth and resilience in navigating new beginnings within the fashion industry.
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Pandemic Pivot to Fashion
- Ken Sakata started his fashion journey during the pandemic as a satirical footballer online to blow off steam.
- This led to creating merchandise, which unexpectedly sold out and grew into a clothing brand called Queensland Football Club.
Social Media as Market Test
- Social media acts as a testing ground, validating design ideas before production.
- It allows front office to create designs that resonate with people, ensuring less risk and more confidence.
Rebranding to Front Office
- Ken changed his brand name from Queensland Football Club to Front Office after a tough factory meeting in Portugal.
- Front Office then successfully started producing garments with a serious focus on quality trousers.