Contradictory Aesthetics: The Origins of Creativity and the Thoughts Behind the Brand [Interview with sui Designer BENIKO]

Territory Gallery's Tadashi Matsuda and kumihimo artist HaRuKi present the radio program "Hi-no-de-do-ko no Radio".
We will reach our first anniversary since the program started in July 2026. This time, we will look back on the past year and introduce some of our most memorable guests and episodes.

The guest for the memorable first episode of "Hi-no-de-do-ko no Radio" was "sui" designer BENIKO.

[Profile] BENIKO
Born in 1993. Graduated from Bunka Fashion College, majoring in Fashion Technology.
Launched the apparel brand sui in the 2019-20 Autumn/Winter season. Started costume design and production in 2021.

sui Website

https://www.suitokyo.jp
Sui Official Instagram

https://www.instagram.com/sui_tokyo
sui Official X

https://twitter.com/sui_tokyo_jp
BENIKO X

https://twitter.com/benikosasaki
sui

An apparel brand with "contradictory aesthetics" at its core, holding the belief that true beauty resides within opposing elements. We pursue the beauty born at the intersection of glamour and darkness, chaos and order, and dreams and reality.

At the root of the brand "sui" is the concept of "contradictory aesthetics."
It is said that beauty exists precisely where seemingly opposing elements—such as glamour and darkness, chaos and order, and dreams and reality—intersect.

Although raised by parents who were art school graduates, BENIKO faced opposition to entering the fashion industry and carved her own path to Bunka Fashion College. After a difficult time as a student and subsequent employment, she struggled with the gap between her ideals and reality, leading her to move to Milan, Italy, for a time.

The turning point was reuniting with her friend, film director Mr. Kaneda.
With the words, "Why aren't you making clothes? If you don't have the money, I'll provide it, so let's start a brand," "sui" was launched in 2019.
However, she says it was a departure with no suppliers or connections. With the support of her mentors from Bunka Fashion College and those around her, she has grown the brand one step at a time.

In the second part, she also spoke about her social media presence, her costume design work, and her relationship with her business partner. The brand name "sui" is derived from "iki/sui" (chic/refined), embodying the thoughtfulness and aesthetic sense unique to Japanese people.

Finally, BENIKO shared this message: "Even if things aren't going well now, don't overthink it; if you don't give up, things will work out, so I just want to say you don't need to worry too much."

Despite experiencing setbacks and hesitation, BENIKO continues to walk forward, believing in her own expression. It was an interview that offered courage not only to those involved in craftsmanship but to everyone searching for their own way of living.

In fact, BENIKO is also a senior from Bunka Fashion College to the program personality, HaRuKi.

It was also impressive that the outfit she wore on the day of the recording was themed after "Ghost in the Shell."
Connecting these individual dots makes the essence of BENIKO's creativity and her worldview feel even clearer.

Please take a listen.

[YouTube Version]

Vol. 8 Guest: sui Designer BENIKO (Part 1)
https://youtu.be/oshvqsQ3tWQ

Vol. 9 Guest: sui Designer BENIKO (Part 2)
https://youtu.be/LHNeM3pWnNg

[stand.fm Version]
Vol. 8 Guest: sui Designer BENIKO (Part 1)
https://stand.fm/episodes/68bfc4a97d42b45d00308da2

Vol. 9 Guest: sui Designer BENIKO (Part 2)
https://stand.fm/episodes/68bfcf6b7d42b45d00308e62