20 Years of Creativity with Yann Le Goec : Destination Tokyo
Celebrating the Creative Legacy of Wut Store and Destination Tokyo
As H.P.France celebrate the anniversaries of it’s outstanding Destination Tokyo and Wut Store, this milestone brings together not only the store’s creative legacy but also the visionary behind its distinct identity—Yann Le Goec. In this article, we present an exclusive interview with Yann, delving into his unique approach to fashion curation and the evolution of Wut Store. His reflections on Tokyo’s vibrant fashion scene offer a deeper understanding of how Wut continues to push the boundaries of avant-garde fashion.
Designer Contributions to the 20th Anniversary Celebration
To mark this special occasion, all the designers associated with Wut Store were invited to create unique pieces in honor of the anniversary. Among them, we are proud to highlight several Berlin-based designers, including Tata Christiane, Vladimir Karelev, Anntian, Starstyling, and Francius. These designers, like Yann, share a commitment to originality and have contributed their creative visions to this celebratory moment.
A Special Tribute Dress for Yann Le Goec: Inspired by Peau d’Âne
As part of the celebration, I designed a special tribute dress for Yann. Inspired by Peau d’Âne, a film we both hold dear, this Leopard Skin Dress is crafted from upcycled vintage foulards, blending a playful nod to the fairy tale with the bold, whimsical spirit of Tata Christiane. The article will also feature archive images of our longstanding collaboration, showcasing the evolution of our partnership.
The Exclusive Anniversary Dress for Destination Tokyo-Wut Store
In addition, we will unveil the exclusive anniversary dress created for Destination Tokyo-Wut Store, a piece that celebrates the spirit of innovation while paying homage to the past. This anniversary marks not just a milestone, but a continuation of the creative journey we share.
Interview with Yann Le Goec: Celebrating 20 Years of Wut Store and Destination Tokyo
Reflecting on Wut Store’s Anniversary
Yann, you’ve been steering Wut Store for quite some time now. How has the store’s journey evolved, and what does this milestone mean to you on a personal level?
Yann Le Goec: “WUT is now part of a larger store called Destination Tokyo, located in Shinjuku. Currently, I oversee buying for both Destination Tokyo and the WUT selection. To be honest, I’m not particularly fond of celebrating a 20th anniversary—it feels a bit like ‘Jurassic Park’ to me. The reason is that I’m always focused on the next season rather than looking back at the past. Time doesn’t hold much significance for me because the store and my selection are in constant evolution.”
Curating the Unconventional: Wut’s Unique Collections
Wut is famous for its eclectic and avant-garde collections. What drives your unique curation process, and how do you decide which designers and pieces become part of the store’s offering?
Yann Le Goec: “My priority is to seek out designers who are truly trying to offer something ‘new.’ If a collection looks like something I could find at Zara, I’m not interested. I approach my selection like composing for an orchestra—I need both loud and quiet instruments to create a harmonious melody. With that in mind, I strive to maintain a balance when curating the brands we carry.”
The Connection with Tata Christiane
You’ve had a long-standing relationship with Tata Christiane. What initially attracted you to their work, and how has this collaboration shaped Wut Store’s identity over the years?
Yann Le Goec: “I first met Tata at a flea market many years ago, and it was love at first sight! Since then, her style has evolved dramatically, and she’s gained a loyal following among our customers. There’s something about her aesthetic that resonates perfectly with Japanese shoppers, who are always seeking originality—and Tata delivers that in abundance.”
The Role of Destination Tokyo in Amplifying Wut’s Ethos
With Wut being a key part of Destination Tokyo, how does this location amplify the store’s ethos? How has the partnership with Destination Tokyo influenced your approach to fashion curation?
Yann Le Goec: “The most interesting aspect of Destination Tokyo is its location—inside Shinjuku Station, one of the busiest places in Japan. This gives us an incredible platform to showcase our selection to a wide range of customers. With that in mind, I try to curate brands that can appeal to the diverse mix of people passing through, offering something for every type of customer.”
Tokyo’s Fashion Landscape and Wut Store’s Impact
Tokyo is known for its cutting-edge fashion scene. How do you see Wut’s role in both shaping and reflecting the city’s fashion identity?
Yann Le Goec: “That’s a tough question because Tokyo offers just about everything! My approach is to seek out niche, microscopic brands that other Japanese buyers haven’t discovered yet. In that way, I aim to bring something fresh and unexpected to the city’s ever-evolving fashion landscape.”
Memorable Moments at Wut Store
Over the years, you’ve likely had countless memorable experiences at Wut. Could you share a standout moment that truly captures the essence of what Wut represents?
Yann Le Goec: “One day, an older lady entered the store, and the staff didn’t initially approach her, assuming she was just browsing out of curiosity. Eventually, one staff member engaged with her, speaking kindly and encouraging her to try on clothes she wouldn’t normally wear. To everyone’s surprise, she ended up purchasing a huge amount! She later shared that the friendly interaction and encouragement made her so happy, she decided to explore something new. This anecdote really captures the essence of WUT—bringing joy to people and helping them break away from the routine.”
Looking to the Future of Wut Store
As you look ahead, what are your aspirations for Wut Store? Are there any new directions or collaborations that particularly excite you?
Yann Le Goec: “Preparing for the 20th anniversary celebration has kept me quite busy lately, so I don’t have a clear vision of the future just yet. It feels more like crafting pottery, where the shape is constantly evolving.”
Advice for Aspiring Buyers in Fashion
With your extensive experience as a buyer and creative director, what advice would you offer to those aspiring to make their mark in the fashion industry?
Yann Le Goec: “First, study fashion and understand the creative process—that’s the foundation. Being a buyer isn’t just about ‘I like this’ or ‘I wouldn’t wear that.’ It’s about understanding a brand’s message and finding ways to share that with your customers. We’re simply the bridge between the brand and the people.”
Yann Le Goec’s Personal Style, Favorite Films, and Tokyo Recommendations
- Top 5 Favorite Films: All the films by David Lynch, Stanley Kubrick, James Cameron, Tsai Ming-liang, and Wong Kar-wai.
- Top 5 Restaurants in Tokyo: Saizeriya (inexpensive Italian food and affordable wine).
- Top 5 Stores in Tokyo: YAMADA Denki, department stores (especially old ones), Dover Street Market (Ginza), Scramble Square (Shibuya), DiverCity Tokyo Plaza (Odaiba).
- Personal Wardrobe Favorite: A pair of BALENCIAGA sneakers.
Fashion Shows at Omotesando: Future Plans
In Wut Store’s Omotesando location, you’ve organized some truly amazing fashion shows. Are there any plans to host more shows in the future?
Yann Le Goec: “Maybe yes, maybe no. We’ll see.”
A Special Birthday Tribute: The Peau d’Âne Dress for Yann Le Goec
For the Birthday of Wut Store, I created a dress as a special tribute to its iconic French buyer, Yann Le Goec. Yann discovered Tata Christiane and believed in my unique pieces back in 2010, and he’s been working with Tata ever since. Beyond our shared love of laughter and good food, Yann and I connect through a common French culture. This dress is a tribute to Peau d’Âne, a film we both adore, along with the incomparable Catherine Deneuve.
Peau d’Âne holds a special place in my heart because it’s a fairy tale that tells the story of a princess who, in order to escape an unwanted marriage, disguises herself in a magical donkey skin. Directed by Jacques Demy, this film is a dreamlike masterpiece that beautifully blends fantasy with reality. I first saw the movie when I was very young, and I was deeply captivated by the stunning princess dresses—the one in the color of the sun, the one in the color of the moon, and more. These dresses left a lasting impression on me and played a significant role in shaping the Tata Christiane universe.
This movie was my first emotional encounter with clothing, sparking a lifelong inspiration that flows through my work. The dress I created for Wut Store is made from a collection of vintage foulards featuring animal prints like leopard and tiger. It’s a playful nod to Peau d’Âne—a Leopard Skin Dress, reimagined and crafted from upcycled vintage foulards.
The portrait of Tata Christiane was shot by Memo Schmage in my atelier in Berlin, featuring my little chihuahua, Tori. Hair and makeup were also beautifully done by Memo Schmage.
