Gaga for Gluttony
A designer once had to spend years as apprentice to established fashion houses before getting their designs on a celebrity. Not anymore proven by Hotel Gluttony accessory designer Joji Rupert Kojima. Kojima is as elusive as the mystique his masks create. It must be hard to build an art brand and design hit accessories while trying to finish college. Only 23 years old, Kojima is currently studying design, photography and typography at the Tama Art University in Tokyo.
So why should we care about a student’s work? Well anything worn by the Fame Monster, Ms. Gaga herself has been priority lately in the world of fashion. Those following her outlandish style knows she is crazy about masks, Kojima’s forté. These couture-quality masks are handmade and evoke a Victorian eroticism usually reserved for exclusive masquerade parties. Kojima’s work was introduced to Lady Gaga by stylist Nicola Formichetti, the man behind the infamous looks in Gaga’s video Telephone.
Although Kojima’s creations are designed with the fictitious in mind, he seems to have great timing with courageous stars like Gaga. Kojima is described as a promising jewelry designer but he has already worked for brands such as Yosiko Creation Paris and of course he makes more than masks.
At a recent exhibition in Tokyo with Noritaka Tatehana, Kojima showcased necklaces, sculptures, rings headdresses, even jewelry pets could get away with. Kojima practices minimalism also making simple gold rings that even mom would wear. If this is what promising looks like, imagine what accomplished will be for Hotel Gluttony.
