Renowned Japanese fashion designer Yuima Nakazato is revolutionizing the fashion industry with his unique blend of artistry and eco-consciousness. As the second Japanese designer ever to be invited to Paris Haute Couture Fashion Week, Nakazato brings an innovative approach that fuses traditional techniques with cutting-edge sustainable technology. His vision of sustainable fashion not only challenges the environmental impacts of fast fashion but also reimagines the future of couture by emphasizing creativity in harmony with nature. In Kosai Sekine’s documentary Dust to Dust, winner of the 2024 Human/Nature Award prize at the Tribeca Film Festival, Nakazato’s journey from the bustling runways of Paris to the textile landfills of Kenya unveils a poignant narrative of responsibility, artistry, and hope.Nakazato’s exploration of textile waste in Kenya reveals the sobering reality of discarded fast fashion and its destructive environmental and social consequences. The film captures his firsthand experience with the immense scale of clothing waste in African nations, particularly the imported second-hand clothing market. Yet, amid the wastelands of discarded garments, Nakazato finds resilience and resourcefulness, where local communities repurpose what they can for survival. These encounters leave an indelible mark on Nakazato’s philosophy, reinforcing his belief in creating designs that respect both people and the planet.Back in the studio, Nakazato faces the monumental challenge of integrating sustainable materials into his couture collection. With his Paris showcase looming, the designer and his team work tirelessly to develop new eco-friendly techniques, culminating in a stunning runway presentation that merges innovation with a deep reverence for the earth. Dust to Dust beautifully portrays Nakazato’s unwavering commitment to forging a fashion industry that honors the environment and the people within it, offering a vision of haute couture that transcends mere aesthetics and leads the way toward a more sustainable future.Nicole Guillemet